Learn from Pakistan how to derail a good build-up. All those running the team and doing the squad selection messed up things as we lamented the team’s abject surrender in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan team’s insipid showing in the defeats against New Zealand and India sent them crashing out of the Champions Trophy.
So abysmal and quick was the exit that the celebrations of hosting the first global event in three decades lasted less than a week.
It is obvious now that Pakistan’s preparation for this tournament and planning was not up to the mark. The team had promised more than it delivered.
Since Mohammad Rizwan was appointed skipper of the white-ball team, Pakistan started off shockingly well, beating Australia 2-1 in the ODI series which is their first series win Down Under in 22 years.
The ODI series win in Zimbabwe was expected but inflicting South Africa’s first home whitewash of 3-0 was again a pleasant surprise.
For once, the Pakistan team was defying all expectations!
The wins in Australia and South Africa had harboured hopes of at least a semi-final finish in the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan team had to live up to the occasion — the first event in the country for 29 years. But how to derail your good build-up should be learnt from Pakistan.
A calamity happened in the form of dashing opener Saim Ayub getting injured in the Cape Town Test.
The fast-rising opener is a three-dimensional player who can also turn his arm over to the good effect in white-ball cricket.
His absence from the event left Pakistan searching for an opener who could partner Fakhar Zaman.
Since Pakistan team management had not prepared for the mishap — not playing Usman Khan in any of the nine ODIs on the three tours badly hurt them.
As a result, the management decided to promote Babar Azam to partner Fakhar — a risky proposition as Babar had only opened in ODIs in two innings previously.
Strangely, Usman was kept in the squad without playing a single ODI. Had he been tried in any of the ODIs then he would have been handy in Dubai where he has played most of his club cricket.
The selection committee and the team staff were adamant that they did not need another opener and a spinner — most requisite in the Asian conditions.
There were calls from former players and analysts but all went on deaf ears. With the noise so high that even PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi accepted it could be done if the committee deems it apt.
But nothing happened. Neither Pakistan tried Usman in the tri-series that preceded the Champions Trophy.
As a result, Usman was the only player from all squads not to have played a single ODI before coming to the Champions Trophy.
As the first step, Pakistan has overhauled the team, both ODI and T20Is but picking up the right personnel will be very important.
Once the coaches are picked they must be backed for at least two years so that they can implement their plans. Chopping and changing will not help Pakistan cricket.
The premium thing is to improve the standard of domestic matches. If that is achieved we will produce players who are mature enough to enter the international arena and will not struggle.
All those who perform in domestic matches should be groomed at “A” level which we have named Pakistan Shaheens.
That second string should not be made for 30-plus players which has been the norm in Pakistan. Only Under-23 players from domestic cricket should be selected in Pakistan Shaheens and only through that we would be able to achieve our goals.
The road to revival has many contours, many turns and many roadblocks. Only slick planning and determination can pave the way. If not now, it will never be achieved.
