HUB:
Pakistan suffered a crushing blow in the recent T20 tour of New Zealand, losing by a significant margin of 1-4. The tour, seen as an opportunity to explore various combinations and strengthen the team’s bench for the upcoming World Cup in the USA and West Indies, unfortunately did not unfold as planned. Despite providing a chance to new players and domestic performers, the team struggled to make a notable impact during the matches.
One glaring issue that persisted was the weak batting lineup, especially the middle order. This middle-order challenge has been a longstanding concern for the Pakistan Cricket team, lingering for more than a decade. To fortify the middle order and provide stability, the team needs a reliable batter akin to Shoaib Malik, someone who can navigate the intricacies of the T20 format successfully. While addressing this concern, it is crucial to afford newly debuted players more opportunities and instill confidence in them. The coaching staff and senior players should play a pivotal role in supporting and backing these emerging talents. Many of these players have showcased their prowess in the domestic circuit and various global leagues.
On the other hand, criticism of new players must be tempered with patience and understanding. Adjusting to the international arena takes time, and these players, viewed as future stars, require unwavering support from the nation. As Pakistan looks ahead to the T20 World Cup, it is necessary to create a nurturing environment where emerging talents can be groomed as future stars, which will eventually lead to the team’s success.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2024.
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