'What’s Happening There?': Declining Standard Of Cricket In Pakistan Leaves English Legend Stunned

PAK vs BAN 1st Test: Pakistan cricket has lost its aura, they are clueless and at most of the times, they don't even look like putting up a fight. Pulling out victory from the jaws of defeat is a tough task, but the Pakistan cricket team, somehow has mastered the rare art of pulling defeat out of the jaws of victory. When Babar Azam's captaincy was revoked and was handed to Shan Masood, everybody thought that the Pakistan cricket team will flourish in Tests, but matters have worsened way too much for them.

Pakistan's Loss Against Bangladesh Leaves Kevin Pietersen Perplexed

Bangladesh created history on August 26, 2024 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi as they beat Pakistan by 10 wickets. This was Bangladesh's first win against Pakistan in Pakistan. The game was very well headed for a draw and was being considered as a dead rubber, but Bangladesh somehow found their footing and took a 117-run lead. They had forced the game wide open and that is where the home team lost its way.

Always known for their fiery pace attack, Pakistan looked clueless and begging for wickets in the first innings and this raises serious questions on the home team. Shan Masood's side had the chance of batting Bangladesh out of the game, but only for reasons best known to him, Pakistan thought of declaring the innings when they were comfortably placed on 448/6. This declaration has severely costed them the game.

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This terrible loss has left former England player Kevin Pietersen confused. The ex-English captain also questioned the standards of the PSL. 'What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic. What’s happening there?', wrote Pietersen on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account.

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Pakistan Struggle On WTC 2025 Leaderboard

It is certainly not easy to be Pakistan right now. They had fancied their chances of making substantial gains on the WTC leaderboard, but the result of the first Test match is a massive hit to their aspirations. With 30.56 PCT from 6 matches, Pakistan are on the eighth spot and are just ahead of West Indies.