Author Photo
Ramiz Raja
(Getty)

Pakistan cricket team is under pressure after a humiliating whitewash in the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh. Former captain and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has demanded answers from red-ball captain Shan Masood and his team for their poor performance.

This is the second consecutive whitewash for Pakistan, having lost 3-0 to Australia earlier this year. Masood’s leadership and the team’s overall effort are being questioned as Pakistan struggles to find its form in Test cricket.

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What did Ramiz Raja say on Shan Masood?

Raja was in no mood to spare captain Masood nor the team's bowling attack. He felt the current team's bowling attack is not of Test quality. The likes of Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza were the frontline bowlers in the second Test. 

Raja believes the blame cannot be shifted away from Masood, especially as his own batting form has been lacking, with no Test century since 2020.

"It’s a first-class bowling attack, not a test cricket bowling attack. He (Masood) has to answer about his own performance," said Raja.

Pakistan’s struggles against Bangladesh

Pakistan were defeated by 10 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh. Their plan of using four fast bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, backfired in the first Test.

Even after resting Afridi and Naseem for the second Test, the new pace bowlers couldn’t deliver, resulting in a six-wicket loss. While Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza performed well initially, Bangladesh’s batters, particularly Litton Das, turned the match around.

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Pakistan's decline in 2024

Pakistan’s performance has been on a downward spiral this year, not just in Test matches but across formats. Despite hiring foreign coaches like Jason Gillespie for red-ball cricket and Gary Kirsten for T20, there has been no improvement.

The team’s early exit from the T20 World Cup and now this Test series defeat have disheartened fans. Raja pointed out that fans are losing interest in Pakistan’s Test cricket, especially when compared to the quality of cricket being played elsewhere.

Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads, with its leadership and players facing serious criticism. With a series against England looming, Pakistan must find a way to bounce back.

Raja urged the players to take responsibility and improve mentally, as there are no excuses left.

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Author(s)
Divy Dubey Photo

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.