The poor performance of our cricket team in the 2023 World Cup has left fans disappointed and raised significant questions about team’s strategy, execution and overall preparedness for international competitions. The defeat against England in their last group match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens serves as a stark reminder of challenges faced by the team. Chasing a target of 338 runs, the Pakistani batsmen struggled eventually being bowled out for 244 runs in the 44th over.
One glaring issue that became evident throughout the tournament was inconsistent performance of Pakistan’s bowling attack. Traditionally, Pakistan has been known for its strong bowling line-up, capable of dismantling any batting order. However, in this mega tournament, bowlers failed to live up to expectations. The inability to consistently take wickets and control run rate put immense pressure on batsmen. Comparisons with the performance of Indian bowlers highlight the disparity in effectiveness. If Pakistan’s bowlers had delivered performances akin to their Indian counterparts, the outcomes of several matches could have been different. The team needs to introspect and address shortcomings in its bowling as well as batting department to compete at the highest level. This World Cup marked the third consecutive time that Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, raising concerns about team’s ability to perform consistently on global stage.
While victories against New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands showcased moments of brilliance, the overall campaign was a rollercoaster ride. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to conduct a thorough review of team’s performance and identify root causes of its shortcomings.
A paradigm shift in the approach to cricket, aligning with modern-day requirements is necessary. One proposed solution is creation of separate teams for T-Twenty and One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. This specialisation can allow players to hone their skills for specific formats, optimising their performance in different settings. Moreover, a focus on merit-based selection is crucial.
The issue of favouritism and grouping within the team must be addressed to ensure that players are selected based on their skills, form and fitness rather than personal affiliations.
