DUBAI: Pakistan’s disappointing losses to India and New Zealand in the ongoing tournament have ignited strong criticism from former cricketers and experts. The team’s performance has raised serious concerns about the future of cricket in the country, with some calling for a major overhaul in selection processes and approach.

Ahmed Shehzad Questions the Selection Process

Former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad didn’t mince words when expressing his disappointment. He raised doubts about the team’s selection system, alleging that favouritism is at play. Shehzad pointed out that cricket, once the pride of Pakistan, now seems to have “finished” in the country.

“People say that the team doesn’t have a system where players are selected through favouritism, but they do. We’ve seen it. We know everything,” Shehzad told Geo.tv. “We’ll tell the truth to the whole world unless we feel that you’re heading in the right direction. There was only one sport left in Pakistan—cricket. Today, that has also finished.”

Virat Kohli’s Century Fuels Criticism

Pakistan’s defeat to India only deepened the frustration. Virat Kohli’s brilliant century guided India to a four-wicket victory over Pakistan, making the task more difficult for Mohammad Rizwan’s side. Pakistan had earlier suffered a defeat to New Zealand, failing to chase down a challenging target of 321 runs.

Mohammad Amir Calls for Domestic Cricket Focus

Former left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir voiced his concerns about the selection process, urging the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus more on top performers from domestic cricket rather than relying heavily on the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

“I request the PCB that PSL should not be a criteria for national team selection. The top performers from domestic cricket should be your priority and not the PSL,” Amir said.

Shahid Afridi Criticizes Mindset and Approach

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, also shared his thoughts on the team’s shortcomings. He emphasized that the team’s mindset has not evolved with the times, pointing out that an outdated approach to the game is leading to their downfall. According to Afridi, playing with a 1980s-1990s mentality in 2025 is simply not enough to compete at the highest level.

“I knew this was going to happen. If you play with a 1980-90 mindset in 2025, you will definitely lose the game,” Afridi remarked. He highlighted Pakistan’s failure to adopt an aggressive approach, particularly with their bowling attack. “If you want to beat big teams, you have to play with an attacking mindset.”

Pakistan’s Hopes Now Rest on Bangladesh vs. New Zealand Match

With losses to both India and New Zealand, Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament have taken a significant hit. Now, their hopes rest on a Bangladesh victory over New Zealand in their upcoming match. If Bangladesh wins, it could keep Group A’s qualification race open for a few more days. If not, New Zealand will join India in qualifying for the semi-finals, leaving Pakistan with little room to maneuver.

Pakistan Prepares for Crucial Match Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s next challenge comes on Thursday when they face Bangladesh in a crucial encounter. They will need to win this match to stay alive in the tournament and keep their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals intact. Meanwhile, India will take on New Zealand in their final Group A game on Sunday, March 2, a match that could decide the final standings of the group.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Pakistan to see if they can turn their fortunes around and bounce back from their disappointing performances so far.