'Evolving, just backward': Pakistan players' training videos go viral, faces fan fury after T20 WC disappointment
Agencies
Synopsis
The Pakistan cricket team faces criticism for their unconventional training methods after a disappointing T20 World Cup. Despite controversy over fielding drills on mattresses, they are preparing for future series against Bangladesh and England. Captain Babar Azam addresses concerns about his leadership, emphasizing transparency in his decisions amid calls for change.
By ET Online
The Pakistan cricket team has come under fire for their unconventional training methods following a disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup. Despite their efforts to innovate in practice, including drills on mattresses, critics and fans remain skeptical about their effectiveness.
A viral video showing Pakistan players performing fielding drills on old mattresses has sparked both amusement and criticism on social media. This unusual training approach has raised questions about the team's professionalism and preparation methods in the wake of their early exit from the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan endured a challenging T20 World Cup campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stage. Placed in Group A, they suffered defeats to non-Test-playing nation USA and arch-rivals India. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, their net run rate was not sufficient to progress to the Super 8 stage, leaving them in third place in their group.
Preparation for Future Series
Looking ahead, Pakistan is gearing up for upcoming challenges with a series against Bangladesh and England on the horizon. Senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to play pivotal roles in these fixtures, despite the team facing scrutiny for their recent performance.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam, facing criticism for his leadership during the World Cup, addressed concerns about his captaincy in a post-match press conference. He emphasized transparency regarding his future decisions, stating, “When I had left the captaincy, I thought that I shouldn't be doing it, and I announced it myself. When they gave it back to me, it was the PCB’s decision. If I have to leave the captaincy, I will tell you openly. The decision is of the PCB.”
Criticism from Former Players
(With inputs from TOI)
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Viral Video Sparks ControversyA viral video showing Pakistan players performing fielding drills on old mattresses has sparked both amusement and criticism on social media. This unusual training approach has raised questions about the team's professionalism and preparation methods in the wake of their early exit from the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan endured a challenging T20 World Cup campaign, failing to advance beyond the group stage. Placed in Group A, they suffered defeats to non-Test-playing nation USA and arch-rivals India. Despite victories against Canada and Ireland, their net run rate was not sufficient to progress to the Super 8 stage, leaving them in third place in their group.
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Preparation for Future Series
Looking ahead, Pakistan is gearing up for upcoming challenges with a series against Bangladesh and England on the horizon. Senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are expected to play pivotal roles in these fixtures, despite the team facing scrutiny for their recent performance.
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Leadership Under Scrutiny
Babar Azam, facing criticism for his leadership during the World Cup, addressed concerns about his captaincy in a post-match press conference. He emphasized transparency regarding his future decisions, stating, “When I had left the captaincy, I thought that I shouldn't be doing it, and I announced it myself. When they gave it back to me, it was the PCB’s decision. If I have to leave the captaincy, I will tell you openly. The decision is of the PCB.”
Criticism from Former Players
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Former Pakistan cricketers have also weighed in on Babar Azam’s leadership and the team’s performance. Many have criticized the team’s conservative batting approach and suggested changes in leadership to revitalize the squad.(With inputs from TOI)
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
