Picture Credit: Twitter
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik slammed Pakistan’s team management, currently led by Misbah-ul-Haq for the shocking defeat against Zimbabwe in the 2nd T20I in Harare on Friday. Brendon Taylor-led Zimbabwe bowled out Pakistan at 99, after setting a target of 119 runs, following a 19 run defeat. With this Zimbabwe defeated Pakistan for the first time in T20 cricket, registering their first T20I win at home since 2016. Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam lamented the painful performance for the team. “It was not just the middle order but our batsmen right through couldn't perform the way we expect them to. It was a collective collapse and we lost as a group” added Azam. With this win, the T20I series is currently levelled at 1-1, with the final game being played on Sunday.
“Unacquainted decision makers need to take a step back” bashes Malik
The Pakistan all-rounder highlighted that the present team management relies on the likes and dislikes, at a time when Pakistan cricket is on a surviving mode. “Unacquainted decision makers need to take a step back,” tweeted Malik emphasizing that they aren’t beneficial for Pakistan cricket.
Malik wants Babar and chief selectors to call the shots in players’ selection
The veteran cricketer feels that Pakistan captain Babar Azam and the chief selectors need to call for shots. “In my opinion, we need an international white ball coach who understands cricket inside out and grooms our captain whilst giving clarity to our players for coming time” tweeted Malik, lambasting the current head coach and demanding the need for a new international coach in white-ball cricket. He also outlined that when the management doesn’t allow the captain to take the decision; such defeats are bound to happen.
The PCB has not officially reacted to Malik’s tweets, but there are signs that a man who made his debut in 1999 may yet be relevant to them in 2021.