Bazid Khan: Pakistan No Longer a Force Among Cricket’s Best
Former cricketer and renowned commentator Bazid Khan has voiced his concerns over Pakistan’s declining cricketing standards, stating that the national team is no longer capable of keeping pace with powerhouses like India and Australia.
His comments came in the aftermath of Pakistan’s 4-1 T20I series defeat against New Zealand, a result that exposed major shortcomings in both batting and bowling departments.
Bazid, who played six international matches for Pakistan, dismissed the long-standing perception that Pakistan remains a dominant cricketing nation due to its past ICC victories.
“There’s a sense of entitlement that we should consistently be winning major tournaments, but the reality is different. How many ICC trophies have we actually secured?” Bazid questioned.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s last ICC trophy win came in 2017 when they triumphed in the Champions Trophy. Since then, India and Australia have each lifted two ICC trophies, widening the competitive gap.
“You’re no longer on the same level as India or Australia,” he asserted. “We still live in the illusion that past ICC wins define us as a top-tier team, but that’s not the case anymore.”
Shaheen Afridi’s Form and Pakistan’s Lack of Depth
Addressing Pakistan’s fast-bowling concerns, Bazid highlighted the struggles of Shaheen Shah Afridi, whose underwhelming performances in the T20I series raised red flags. The left-arm pacer managed to take only two wickets in five matches, averaging 66.50 per dismissal, which is a worrying statistic for Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Bazid emphasized that the real issue isn’t just Shaheen’s form but the lack of genuine alternatives to step up in his place.
“If Shaheen isn’t delivering, who else is there to take charge? There isn’t a steady stream of emerging bowlers from Tests or ODIs,” he remarked.
He further criticized Pakistan’s stagnant cricketing system, stating that while other nations have evolved by nurturing fresh talent, Pakistan has failed to keep up.
“Teams worldwide have adapted, improved, and expanded their player pools, whereas our setup has come to a standstill,” he observed.
“The decline has reached such a level that we’re now comparing ourselves with New Zealand, a team we once believed was behind us.”
Bazid’s remarks have resonated with many cricket fans, sparking discussions about Pakistan’s future in the sport. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team must undergo serious restructuring to reclaim its status among cricket’s elite.
FAQs
- Why does Bazid Khan believe Pakistan can no longer compete with top teams?
- He argues that Pakistan is lagging behind India and Australia due to a lack of consistent performances, player development, and system reforms.
- What was Pakistan’s recent performance against New Zealand?
- Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series, which exposed serious weaknesses in both batting and bowling.
- What concerns were raised about Shaheen Shah Afridi?
- His poor performance in the series, with just two wickets in five matches, raised concerns about Pakistan’s reliance on a single bowler and the absence of solid backups.
- What is the biggest issue with Pakistan’s cricket system?
- The lack of new talent development, outdated strategies, and an overreliance on past achievements have stalled Pakistan’s progress.
- What steps must Pakistan take to regain its place among top cricketing nations?
- Pakistan must revamp its domestic system, invest in new talent, modernize training methods, and develop a long-term vision to compete with the best.
