Selection row, disciplinary issues and four defeats. Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign in crisis |: Cricket News:
Pakistan’s disastrous ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign has reportedly been compounded by internal disagreements and a tense atmosphere within the squad, with media reports alleging friction between the players and team management.According to Pakistani media reports and discussions on social media, disagreements have arisen within the camp after a series of poor results. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.Pakistan slumped to their fourth successive defeat in the tournament after suffering a 113-run defeat by Australia at Headingley in Leeds on Tuesday. The side is yet to register a win since arriving in Ireland ahead of the World Cup and was also winless during the tri-series involving Ireland and West Indies prior to the tournament.According to news agency PTI, reports said there was a major misunderstanding between the team’s mentor and the unofficial head coach. Wahab Riaz and captain Fatima Sana in matters of choice. A report says that before the Bangladesh match, Sana objected to senior player Aaliya Riaz’s husband staying in her hotel room, prompting him to ask her to leave.“It was because of Sana’s insistence that Ali Younis was asked to leave the room. Then, the day before the game against Bangladesh, Aaliya and her husband went out for a walk when there was a team practice scheduled,” said a report.The same reports further claimed that Sana wanted to drop Aaliya from the Bangladesh game, but Wahab insisted on her choice. After the defeat, Sana reportedly blamed Wahab for not enforcing disciplinary standards.
Fatima Sana admits Pakistan play ‘worst cricket’
Amid outside speculation, captain Fatima Sana candidly admitted her side’s struggles after the heavy loss to Australia.“I think we just played our worst cricket in this game, and as a whole team we have to accept that. We have to go back, reflect, and improve ourselves,” said Sana after the match.Despite the disappointing campaign, Sana feels encouraged by Pakistan’s preparations ahead of the tournament.“Personally, I think we got a lot of good practice before we came, but we still need a response from the team. That’s what we need now.The captain also praised the bowling unit, especially the spinners Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.“I think our bowling is very good, especially the way we started. Nashra and Sadia bowled very well, which is awesome. We just need more players to support them because we are struggling in other areas. We have good players and they are capable, but we need more contribution from everyone,” he said.Pakistan, who also finished bottom of the standings in the 50-over World Cup last year, will now look to save their pride when they take on the Netherlands in their final Group A fixture.
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