Pakistan cricket has been going through turmoil for quite some time now. The team’s underwhelming runs in the ODI and T20 World Cups led to a massive uproar, leading to numerous changes in the leadership as well as the administration. Things turned worse after the Shaan Masood-led Test team lost to Bangladesh 2-0 at home before biting the dust against England in Multan.
To further address the team’s horrendous run, the Pakistan Cricket Board appointed a new set of selectors, reducing the selection committee’s size from seven to five members. Led by former pacer Aaqib Javed, the committee included Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Hassan Cheema, while the captain and the head coach were stripped of their voting rights in the selection process.
Recently, Javed had an opportunity to meet the current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Giving details of the meeting in a podcast, Javed revealed how the former India opener also raised concerns about Pakistan’s downfall.
“We met the Indian players during our series against Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir ne mujhe kaha ke ‘Aaqib bhai, yeh Pakistan cricket ko kya ho gaya hai? Itna talent hai, hum bhi dekhte hain, sab kuch hai, inhone kiya kya hai?’ (Gambhir asked me what has happened to Pakistan cricket despite so much talent and everything, what have they done?)” said Javed.
The former pacer, who played in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, said Pakistan’s fall has taken the sheen out of India-Pakistan encounters.
“He (Gambhir) also feels sorry about it, because there are a few (top-level) teams, and the Pakistan-India matches provide the biggest thrill. So, if your team (Pakistan) falls like that then one of the game’s biggest matches loses its charm. ICC mei log haste hain (people in the ICC laugh about it),” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are currently looking to level the 3-match Test series against England at home. The hosts set England a daunting target of 297 before Sajid dismissed Ben Duckett (nought) and fellow spinner Noman Ali had Zak Crawley (three) to leave England on 36-2 after a captivating day three.
Ollie Pope and Joe Root were unbeaten on 21 and 12 respectively with 261 still needed for victory and two days left.
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