The performance of Pakistan's cricket team in the ICC World Cup 2023 has sparked intense debate among cricket enthusiasts. The team's three consecutive defeats have raised questions about their strategy, leadership, and overall performance. Both the chief selector and the captain are facing scrutiny for Pakistan's poor showing.

Critics have pointed out that there were issues with team selection and that the squad did not meet the required standards. Sarfraz Ahmed, a successful former captain of Pakistan who led the team to victory in several series and the Champions Trophy final in 2017, was notably absent from the selection, despite his good domestic performance.

Imad Wasim, a valuable all-rounder, was also left out of the squad for reasons that remain unclear. Mohammad Hafeez, a prominent figure in Pakistan's cricket, stepped down from his position on the PCB's cricket technical committee after a meeting that assessed Pakistan's performance in the Asia Cup.

Zaka Ashraf, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), revealed that both Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq, another committee member, recommended several changes to the World Cup team due to their disappointment with the team's performance in the Asia Cup.

The string of defeats began with a match against Afghanistan, where Pakistan posted 282 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 50 overs. Unfortunately, Afghanistan managed to score 286 runs for the loss of only 2 wickets in 49 overs, resulting in an 8-wicket victory for Afghanistan. Pakistan subsequently suffered losses to Australia and India.

In terms of responsibility, the team's captain, Babar Azam, has faced significant scrutiny due to his performance during the tournament. Despite being one of the top-ranked ODI batsmen globally, Babar Azam's performance in the World Cup has been less than impressive. His dismissals at critical moments have raised concerns. In the first 5 matches of the ICC Men's 50 Overs World Cup 2023, Babar Azam managed to score a total of 157 runs with an average of 31.40. His captaincy and batting have come under substantial pressure.

Team Management

Questions have arisen regarding the strategies and decisions made by the management team during the tournament. This management group consists of Rehan-ul-Haq, the team manager, Mickey Arthur, the Director, Grant Bradburn, the head coach, Andrew Puttick, the batting coach, Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, and other members. Grant Bradburn, the head coach, despite his experience and prior success with the team, has faced criticism due to Pakistan's performance in the World Cup, which has raised doubts about his coaching methods and strategies.

Players' Performance

The players themselves have faced scrutiny for their on-field performance, both as individuals and as a team. The bowling attack has been faulted for its limited impact, and the batting lineup has struggled to chase down high targets. Fielding remains a concern, as evident in matches against Australia and Afghanistan. Pakistani fielders displayed a lack of intent, dropping numerous catches for no apparent reason. Even the top bowlers, like Haris, were hit hard, conceding significant runs. For instance, in an over, Haris was hit for 17 runs by Afghanistan, and Australian batters scored 24 runs in an over, including a massive six by David Warner. Shaheen's bowling performance has also been subpar, and Hassan Ali continues to struggle with wide deliveries.

How to better?

Here are some steps to improvement 

Strategy:

 Conduct a thorough analysis of opponents' strengths and weaknesses and adapt the game plan accordingly. Make informed tactical decisions during matches.

Leadership: 

Evaluate the leadership skills of Babar Azam and consider leadership training to enhance his decision-making abilities. Reevaluate the captaincy role and focus on Babar's batting if needed.

Coaching: 

Work closely with coaching staff to help players refine their skills and address technical issues. Consider hiring new specialized coaches for batting, bowling, and fielding to provide tailored guidance.

Player Performance: 

Encourage individual players to intensify their training and practice routines to improve personal performance. Consider rotating the squad by bringing back players like Sarfraz and Imad if they can contribute effectively. Ensure fair selection practices.


Read more....Jason Holder expressed his disappointment about not qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2023