We all are seeing the world reacting to Pakistan Cricket loss to Bangladesh. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen is wondering what’s going on with Pakistan’s cricket after their 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi on Monday, August 26. He’s surprised because, from his experience in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), he expected a lot more from the team.
This was only the fourth time Pakistan has lost a Test after declaring their first innings. Bangladesh, adjusting better to the flat conditions, took a 117-run lead in the second innings and then put on an amazing bowling show, bowling out Pakistan for just 146 runs.
Bangladesh’s openers chased the small target in less than seven overs, marking their first-ever Test win in Pakistan.
Pietersen took to X (formerly Twitter) and said, “What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic, and the youngsters on display were magic. What’s happening there?”
Pietersen played three seasons in the PSL from 2016-2018, scoring 611 runs in 27 matches. Most of his local Pakistani teammates in Quetta Gladiators have either retired, been left out because they’re past their prime, or moved out of the country due to a lack of opportunities.
“Their Reputation Has Become Like That” – Ramiz Raja on Pakistan’s Issues
Earlier the same day, former Pakistani captain Ramiz Raja talked about the team’s issues, saying they struggle to handle pressure, which is why they keep losing on Day 5 of Test matches.
Ramiz said in a video on his YouTube channel, “If any team can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, it’s the Pakistan team, and their reputation has become like that. This is not the first time that Pakistan has flopped on the fifth day of Test cricket. Sometimes the batting is a disaster, and other times they bowl badly.”
He also added, “It becomes an odd story whenever pressure mounts on this team. I feel it’s a serious problem. Your belief system goes off as soon as pressure mounts on you, especially on the bowlers, as they start bowling bad spells. The batters don’t have the ability at all, as it becomes a flop show whenever there is slight sideways movement.”
The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh starts on August 30 at the same venue.
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