Gautam Gambhir and Aaqib Javed. (Source – Getty Images)
The past year or so has seen Pakistan cricket going through a tumultuous phase when it comes to the results they have produced as well as the constant chopping and changing of personnel, be it the players or the members of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Their elimination from the group-stage of the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and the T20 World Cup in 2024 was followed by a humiliating whitewash at the hands of Bangladesh in Tests.
In a recent discussion, former Pakistan cricketer, Aaqib Javed, who has been recently appointed as a member of the selection committee, spoke about his conversation with the head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, when Javed met him as well as the Indian players during their tour of Sri Lanka in July and August earlier this year.
Javed shared Gambhir’s bewilderment of the sorry state of affairs of Pakistan cricket despite having a rich reservoir of expertise within the nation. He also shared Gambhir’s concern for the Pakistani team in terms of the fading charm of the India-Pakistan encounters due to the manner in which Pakistan have performed over the past few years.
Aqib Javed said, “Gautam Gambhir told me, Aqib Bhai, what’s happened to Pakistan cricket? We also see immense talent, what have they done.” pic.twitter.com/SXjOzsawjf
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“I had met some of the Indian players during their tour of Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir, their head coach, came up to me and asked me in a perplexed state as to what Pakistan cricket has come down to of late. Despite having an abundance of talented individuals and every other amenity, what have they done?” shared Aaqib in a recent podcast.
“Even he is filled with regret because firstly, the team is limited to certain specific individuals. The ever-enthralling rivalry of India and Pakistan in world cricket will lose its vibrancy if Pakistan’s performances keep on declining like they have in the recent-past. [A person like him who has nothing to do with Pakistan cricket] is worried!” Javed added.
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Pakistan snap 11-Test winless streak at home to come back in ongoing series vs England
Javed & Co. can breathe a sigh of relief after Pakistan registered a glorious 152-run win against England in the second Test of the ongoing series to draw level, with all to play for in the third game in Rawalpindi. The win was particularly impressive considering the immense pressure Shan Masood and his side were under after getting obliterated in the first Test before dropping a handful of seasoned players for youngsters to come into the mix.
Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Noman Ali bags eight-for as Pakistan end 11-match winless streak at home
With England requiring 261 to win having a couple of days to go, it was anticipated to be an uphill task for Pakistan to salvage anything out of the game. However, a career-best bowling performance by 38-year-old left-arm spinner, Noman Ali, orchestrated the visitors getting bundled out for 144 during the morning session.