Constant excuses, Politics, Babar's captaincy: What went wrong for Pakistan in ODI World Cup 2023

Pakistan, known for their glorious history in international cricket, entered the 2023 World Cup with high expectations. However, the Babar Azam-led team's journey has been far from the fairytale their fans had hoped for. After four consecutive defeats, including a nail-biting one-wicket loss to South Africa, Pakistan's chances of reaching the semi-finals are looking increasingly slim.

Pakistan have been a force to reckon with in the cricketing world, having won the World Cup in 1992 and the T20 World Cup in 2009. They have consistently been a competitive side, capable of defeating even the strongest teams. However, their performance in the 2023 World Cup has taken an unexpected nosedive.  

Multiple factors have contributed to Pakistan's dismal performance in this mega event. Let's examine where things have gone wrong for the Men in Green: 

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Inconsistent Batting and Lack of Modern-Day Approach

One of Pakistan's major issues in World Cup tournaments has been inconsistent batting and a conservative approach. While other teams are consistently posting imposing totals, Pakistan batters have been overly cautious, resulting in below-par scores. The team has struggled to build partnerships in the middle overs, with key players like Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, and Imam-ul-Haq failing to make a significant impact.

Poor Bowling

Pakistan has a reputation for producing world-class bowlers, but in this World Cup, their bowlers have appeared hapless. They have struggled to take wickets, failing to adapt to field conditions and mix up their deliveries. The absence of Naseem Shah, sidelined due to an injury sustained during the Asia Cup 2023, has been a talking point among fans and experts. However, several former cricketers believe that the team's problems go beyond the absence of a single player and point towards deeper issues within the squad.

Captaincy Issues

Leadership is a crucial aspect of any successful cricket team. Babar Azam, Pakistan captain, has faced criticism for his leadership skills. His inability to apply pressure on opposition batters, especially in the later stages of innings, has been evident. Babar, while a formidable batter, has struggled to lead his team effectively. 

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Alleged 'rift' in the team

Reports of internal strife within the team have circulated in the media, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied these claims. While some sources have suggested conflicts between Babar Azam and vice-captain Shadab Khan and even physical altercations among teammates, the PCB has stressed that the team remains united. Moreover, the selection of the playing XI and the overall team combination have been sources of concern. Some players have been included based on reputation or personal relationships rather than merit. This has led to debates and controversies within the cricketing community.

Inability to Handle Pressure

Pakistan have often faltered in high-pressure situations, such as matches against arch-rivals India and strong teams like Australia. The ability to perform under pressure is crucial in cricket, and Pakistan have struggled in this department. A lack of tactical planning has also affected Pakistan's World Cup campaign. The team has sometimes appeared ill-prepared to counter the opposition, failing to adapt to different playing conditions and pitches.

Despite these challenges, the PCB has continued to express confidence in the team's unity and cohesion. The board issued a statement denying any internal discord within the squad. In a statement released while Pakistan faced Afghanistan in a crucial league phase encounter, the PCB stated, "The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly denies recent speculations about any internal discord in the national cricket team currently participating in the ICC World Cup 2023." The statement emphasised that the team is united and dismissed allegations of internal strife as false.

As Pakistan's World Cup journey hangs on the results of other teams, they face an uphill battle to turn their fortunes around. The team and its supporters will hope that lessons are learned from their current struggles, and that the squad can regroup, perform under pressure, and strive for a more successful future in international cricket.