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Former Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad doubts Pakistan’s Asia Cup prospects, especially against India, after their ODI series loss to the West Indies
Babar Azam (Picture Credit: AFP)
The Asia Cup is just around the corner, and all eyes will soon be on the much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounters, with the possibility of the two sides meeting thrice in the tournament. The former cricketers in our neighbouring country have already been talking about Pakistan’s prospects against Suryakumar Yadav and Co., but most of them remain doubtful. Following their ODI series loss to the West Indies, experts are unsure whether Pakistan can put up a strong fight against India—or even make a solid impact in the competition overall. But they still hope the best for the team.
Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad feels that the West Indies tour has left the entire country shattered, but he hopes that Rizwan and his boys can defeat India and bring back the glory.
“If you ask me, the recent performance of Pakistan has not been that good, and it’s not hidden from anyone. If you compare them with India, they are far ahead, which is an undeniable fact,” Shehzad said.
“But for me, when India and Pakistan play together, the chances are always fifty-fifty as it’s a pressure game. Pressure brings both teams on the same page because the chances of committing errors are almost equal in both camps. India may have more match-winners than Pakistan, but pressure can sting them anytime,” he added.
Shehzad further took a jibe at the team management for not giving ample chances to the youngsters, and instead investing in the players who have been hanging around for a decade but haven’t won anything for the country.
“I wish the Pakistan team all the best. They not only beat India but also win the Asia Cup and make the citizens of the country happy. The people of Pakistan are unhappy with their performance. They tend to recall the old days when the team was reckoning force,” Shehzad said.
“They are sad because the team isn’t giving enough opportunities to the youngsters. Recently, they were defeated by the West Indies in the ODIs, which let the people down.”
“Awaam kehti hai ki naye players ko develop karte hue agar aap haar jayein to it’s ok. But wo players jin pe investment hui hai, jo 10 saal se khelte hi ja rahe hain, jinhone matches nahi jitwaye, aisi investment sabka dil todte hain. [It’s acceptable if the team loses nurturing the young talent. But if they get defeated with the players who have been hanging around for a decade, that’s unacceptable. Players who have been heavily invested in, those who are here for 10 years but haven’t won anything, those who haven’t performed up to the mark, such players have left the people of Pakistan heartbroken],” he concluded.
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
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