After Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, Test fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari has stirred up discussions by suggesting that senior players, including skipper Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, should be given some rest. Shinwari believes the continuous play without adequate rest has adversely affected their performance, while also limiting opportunities for new talent to emerge. He highlighted that these senior players rarely sit on the bench, even in matches against lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and Ireland.
Shinwari’s comments are rooted in his observations that such an approach has restricted the national cricket team to a core group of around 15 players, effectively sidelining other potential talents from domestic circuits. This exclusion has forced many domestic players to seek opportunities abroad. “Because of them, the domestic cricketers are forced to emigrate,” Shinwari remarked, emphasizing the need to integrate more domestic players into the national team setup.
Shinwari, currently residing in the United States, also critiqued the selection process, arguing that performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) should not be the sole criterion for national team selection. His statements come in the wake of Pakistan’s elimination from the T20 World Cup, where their performance fell significantly short of expectations. The national team did not qualify for the Super Eight, leading to widespread criticism from fans and experts.
In the group stage, Pakistan faced a shocking five-run defeat in a Super Over tie against debutants USA and lost to arch-rivals India by six runs. Their only victory came against Canada, whom they defeated by seven wickets on June 11. A subsequent match between the USA and Ireland was abandoned due to rain on June 14, allowing the USA to secure a crucial point and ending Pakistan’s chances of advancing in the tournament.
This poor performance has led to a significant backlash, with calls for introspection and restructuring within the team. The final group match against Ireland, which held no bearing on the tournament’s outcome, served merely as a formality before the squad returned home. The early exit has fueled discussions on the need for a strategic overhaul and better management of player workloads to prevent burnout and ensure peak performance during crucial matches.
In contrast to the national team’s struggles, several Pakistani players have secured contracts with the Global T20 Canada League. This move is seen as an effort to stay competitive and in form despite the national team’s recent failures. The league, featuring six teams, is set to begin on July 25. Notably, four Pakistani players—Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, and Asif Ali—will represent the Vancouver Knights. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz have signed with the Toronto Nationals, while Iftikhar Ahmed will play for the Bangla Tigers.
This participation in the Global T20 Canada League reflects the players’ desire to remain active in competitive cricket and perhaps offers a respite from the intense scrutiny faced at home. However, Shinwari’s pointed remarks about the current state of Pakistani cricket suggest that deeper systemic issues need addressing. His call for resting senior players and providing opportunities for emerging talents could be a step towards building a more robust and dynamic team capable of performing consistently at the international level.
The discussion initiated by Shinwari underscores a broader need for balance between nurturing experienced players and fostering new talent. As the cricketing world evolves, Pakistan must adapt its strategies to maintain competitiveness and uphold its rich cricketing heritage. Shinwari’s candid assessment and the subsequent debate it has sparked may well serve as a catalyst for the necessary changes in the team’s management and selection policies, ensuring a more inclusive and performance-oriented approach in the future.
