New Delhi: Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the two-Test series against Bangladesh, the team has faced widespread criticism, with even Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin expressing concern. Ashwin recently shared his surprise at the decline of Pakistan’s cricketing prowess, especially when compared to the strong team they had a decade ago.
In response, Pakistan’s Ahmed Shahzad took to social media to address Ashwin’s comments. Shahzad sarcastically replied, “Why are you surprised, Ashwin? Don’t worry, everything is fine here. Can’t you see that stadiums are being built here? Excavation is being done continuously. Don’t be surprised at all.” His remarks highlighted the ongoing renovations by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which led to the team playing both Test matches against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
Tensions Between Shahzad and PCB
Ahmed Shahzad has not shied away from criticizing the PCB in the past, often accusing the board of favoritism and broken promises. His recent comments suggest continued frustration with the way domestic cricket is being handled, particularly as Pakistan struggles on the international stage.
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Ashwin’s Observations
Reflecting on Pakistan’s cricketing history, Ashwin mentioned how formidable the team was a decade ago, with players like Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, and Yasir Shah making it difficult for any opposition to defeat them, even when playing away from home in the UAE. Ashwin lamented the current state of Pakistan cricket, noting that the team’s struggles at home are particularly concerning.
As Pakistan looks to rebuild and prepare for future tournaments, the exchange between Ashwin and Shahzad underscores the challenges the team faces both on and off the field.
