Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
The PCB and the team management need to have an emergency meeting to see what they can do to boost this side. You can't change the squad but I see no harm in changing the captain of the side.
They do not look a united bunch of players and nor they do look inspired to play under Sarfraz.
If it means Sarfraz has to call retirement, then so be it, he cannot lead the side for any longer.
He was finished a long time ago and we cannot allow this to continue. We have all waited patiently for 4 years since the last WC hoping we would see a Pakistan team become more competitive, but not only has the gulf between us and the top 5 widened, we are officially minnow bound!
As mentioned in my prediction earlier this week, I knew we would lose, but could any of us envisage such a crushing defeat against a team that sits outside the top 5?!
I just can't take any more.
Relax guys it is just one game, there are more matches ahead. It’s good that the loss came early in the tournament. Pakistan team can regroup and bring their Jazba Junoon
Relax guys it is just one game, there are more matches ahead. It’s good that the loss came early in the tournament. Pakistan team can regroup and bring their Jazba Junoon
Who is going to keep then?It's not random tournament that PAK can make Hasnain "injured" and call Rizwan. Even, if they want to replace Sarfraz, someone has to break a bat on his knee ...
In the history of the game, there is a reason that Knott, Taylor, Doujon, Marsh, Kirmani, Gilchrist, ...... Strudwick was never made regular Captains. PCB made one, who doesn't even merit selection in the XI, then kept him comfortable without appointing a deputy or picking a back-up WK for 2 years!!!!
At least if Umar/Rizwan had been in squad, Sarfraz could have taken a break and Amir given temporary charge for the time being - now, Sarfraz has to up his game.
Who do you suggest we make captain?
Malik? Hafeez? Amir? Wahab Riaz?
Amir - almost a world class super star in this squad who can at least keep his head high (don't go much about useless bilateral games - it doesn't give much beyond some fuel for PP trolls). Malik, Hafeez shouldn't have been in squad for a day after 18th July 2017, while Wahab was never considered for Captaincy.
But, PAK doesn't have a back-up WK, so Sarfraz has to play and somehow find his game - his Captaincy wasn't that good ever, but at least he can show better body language than this, which isn't helping the moral of the team.
Hence why I mentioned he can be forced to take a retirement/break from cricket, if that's what it takes.
Amir - almost a world class super star in this squad who can at least keep his head high (don't go much about useless bilateral games - it doesn't give much beyond some fuel for PP trolls). Malik, Hafeez shouldn't have been in squad for a day after 18th July 2017, while Wahab was never considered for Captaincy.
But, PAK doesn't have a back-up WK, so Sarfraz has to play and somehow find his game - his Captaincy wasn't that good ever, but at least he can show better body language than this, which isn't helping the moral of the team.
Rizwan is in UK as backup keeper
He should have been played in the Aus series and a decision taken then. Now it is too late and will put team in further disarray. Bad bad planning all round. Good thing is we have Rizwan in UK so backup keeper is available.
Don't even see a natural leader in the side. Perhaps Imad Wasim, but then he is a bits and pieces player himself and we will be back to this discussion in a few months.
Who is going to keep then?It's not random tournament that PAK can make Hasnain "injured" and call Rizwan. Even, if they want to replace Sarfraz, someone has to break a bat on his knee ...
In the history of the game, there is a reason that Knott, Taylor, Doujon, Marsh, Kirmani, Gilchrist, ...... Strudwick was never made regular Captains. PCB made one, who doesn't even merit selection in the XI, then kept him comfortable without appointing a deputy or picking a back-up WK for 2 years!!!!
At least if Umar/Rizwan had been in squad, Sarfraz could have taken a break and Amir given temporary charge for the time being - now, Sarfraz has to up his game.
Sarfaraz was serving ban during series with Aus because of his racist remarks against SA.
Captaincy change will not make things better. Who is going to lead? Under Malik leadership Pakistan lost 5-0.
Can't believe he was celebrating taking those wickets, team was bowled out for 100, your playing for your team not yourself.
Hassan needs a break.
Haris is a weak player he should have stayed with Babar but he choked.
Err we have a squad of only 15, who will you play if you kick out everyone? This was probably our best combination and one we need to persist with, perhaps with the exception of bringing in Asif, although I really can't see where we can fit him without affecting the balance of the team.
Can't believe he was celebrating taking those wickets, team was bowled out for 100, your playing for your team not yourself.
Hassan needs a break.
Haris is a weak player he should have stayed with Babar but he choked.
Sigh, these decisions can only be taken after the WC now. Too late to do anything, just go with the flow and pray that there is no demoralizing embarrassment
One game??lol.
We've only won 2 games against the SENA countries in the last 2 years.
Ohhhhhh...
You're being sarcastic...
Our Jazba will come out against England. Amir to get 7 wickets
Only in Pakistan would people suggest changing a captain in the middle of a WORLD CUP!!!
Go for it if you want to be the laughing stock of the world
Amir - almost a world class super star in this squad who can at least keep his head high (don't go much about useless bilateral games - it doesn't give much beyond some fuel for PP trolls). Malik, Hafeez shouldn't have been in squad for a day after 18th July 2017, while Wahab was never considered for Captaincy.
But, PAK doesn't have a back-up WK, so Sarfraz has to play and somehow find his game - his Captaincy wasn't that good ever, but at least he can show better body language than this, which isn't helping the moral of the team.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I had said it 1 year ago, Pakistan needed to sack Sarfraz and install Imam as captain. Not because Imam is a world class player but because Imam is someone who can grow into the role as he is a thinking player and someone who thrives under adversity. And doesn't regurgitate "captain coach gave confidence and played my natural game **". About time Pakistan resets itself after the World Cup and say goodbye to Sarfraz in all forms.
Sarfaraz was serving ban during series with Aus because of his racist remarks against SA.
Captaincy change will not make things better. Who is going to lead? Under Malik leadership Pakistan lost 5-0.
Obviously Amir will be the name that pops up because of his 3 wickets.
But his stats aren't that reassuring either. Coupled with consistent injury problems and a poor attitude in bilateral games, and those games that don't feature in England. I wouldn't put my money on him representing as a captain for Pakistan for a very long time.
He'll be bigger disaster - not because he does or doesn't make the XI, neither he is sharp or thick. Because making him Captain won't change much fortune for this 3-21 model talented team- but, what'll happen is everyone and his dog will get after Inzi's nephew after every loss - that'll completely destroy the team.
It's really difficult to lead a struggling side - more for a batting Captain and even more for a batsman not really world class. PAK's best (only) option is to make a bowler Captain, who'll be out of pressure for delivering with bat under pressure. A bowling Captain can hide himself, but a batting captain will always be exposed, also a bowling Captain can make a come back - Hasan could have come back in 2nd spell (say defending 250), and take couple of wickets, his initial rubbish would have been covered, Imam or Sarfraz can't rectify their batting in this game.
There is a reason, I have mentioned many times that Amir should have been leading this squad to WC - result won't have changed much, because squad itself is poor, but at least it would given lots of flexibility. Never make a batting captain, for whom batting is weak link (now, both though, still batting gets brutally exposed, because it's measurable...).
No need for panic. It's the first game. We will most likely lose to England too - and we shoudln't panic then either. Truth is, this Windies outfit isn't that bad. Even though it's true that they barely qualified, our recent form has been shambolic too hasn't it?
There are times when Sarfaraz leads from the front - but unfortunately that's mostly during batting. In the field his plans are hit and miss. For example, when defending 102, why not have more slips in place even if the effort might be futile in the end? If we don't qualify for semis in the WC, then fine we can change him out. But I'm quietly optimistic that we will make semis! We practically start every single tournament poorly. The last time we started a tournament strong was in 2011 - where we punched above our weight due to subcontinent conditions.
Every game will be difficult but Pakistan has a few match-winners with the bat that can get us there. The teams we need to target to upset are Aus/NZ/SA - which is totally possible. Anyway.. one game at a time. The batsmen won't flop like this again except for maybe against India in the group stages.
No need for panic. It's the first game. We will most likely lose to England too - and we shoudln't panic then either. Truth is, this Windies outfit isn't that bad. Even though it's true that they barely qualified, our recent form has been shambolic too hasn't it?
There are times when Sarfaraz leads from the front - but unfortunately that's mostly during batting. In the field his plans are hit and miss. For example, when defending 102, why not have more slips in place even if the effort might be futile in the end? If we don't qualify for semis in the WC, then fine we can change him out. But I'm quietly optimistic that we will make semis! We practically start every single tournament poorly. The last time we started a tournament strong was in 2011 - where we punched above our weight due to subcontinent conditions.
Every game will be difficult but Pakistan has a few match-winners with the bat that can get us there. The teams we need to target to upset are Aus/NZ/SA - which is totally possible. Anyway.. one game at a time. The batsmen won't flop like this again except for maybe against India in the group stages.
Absolutely horrible decision to even suggest Amir should be captain. Leaving aside the fact that he is a convicted fixer, he does not even deserve to be in the team. Can't take wickets at all. Don't get fooled by his 3 wickets today. He wouldn't be able to buy one if Pakistan bowled first.
Imam has over his short career displayed immense amounts of grit under adversity. Probably the most reliable player in the team when chips are down. Was the best player in the Asia Cup for Pakistan. Man of the Series against SA in SA. Saved Pakistan from the shameful ignominy of a test defeat against Ireland. And you think this guy can't handle pressure. His life in cricket has been under pressure.
If a captain needs to hide himself when chips are down, then that guy does not deserve to be captain. Which is exactly what Sarfraz does. I don't want another clone like Amir who will hide himself in bowling. A captain is supposed to lift the team under crisis, not hide himself. What are you even suggesting.![]()
Weak and uninspiring rubs off on the players.
Sarfraz never takes responsibility or leads from the front. [MENTION=147314]topspin[/MENTION] you may dislike Misbah but he always would at least fight. Now we don't even di that.
Sarfraz surrendered this WC after the Trent Bridge ODI and his missed appeal - you could see that from his facial expressions at the end of the match. For his sake he must go.
Useless thread as like OP's other posts in the forum. No solution and the tournament has just started. Going by this logic Imran Khan would have thrown in the towel in 1992 and i thinking people were out for Sarfraz's head after CT17 first defeat against India as well..
I am suggesting with perfectly sane head, cool mind and still early morning - Ramadan hasn't taken it's effect yet. I have seen PAK cricket more than most here - and don't think I have exposed myself with too many "expert predictions" in PP, that back fired. Batsman Captain is not for you - even Javed, Zaheer, Saeed, Hanif were failure - this kid Imam would do better to spell those names properly. There is a reason that top 5-6 PAK Captains are all bowlers at at least all-rounders.
You mis understood the word "hide" - even Imran, Marshall had bad spells. For a bowling Captain, one can take himself off, relax, rethink tactics and come back for 2nd spell - that doesn't happen for a batsman. Hiding doesn't mean the bowler has to bowl less, rather he can plan his game better than batsman. Unpopular example - check the MINNOW Captain Mashrafee, he hardly misses bowling 10 overs, but exactly knows when he needs to back off and when to make up.
Imam is not the most reliable player, he is the most selfish player - but, he makes this squad on merit (which tells better about both team & player - this time I'll remind that for a MINNOW, another couple of lefti opens and PAK's two won't make further beyond the BENCH there). Making him Captain will only make things worse, because he'll use his Captaincy to safe guard his position, by picking "own" people - every batting Captain will do that for a struggling side, that's the learning from history... and that's not only in PAK. My hunch is, if he is made Captain - first thing he'll do is drop down to No. 3 or 4 .....
No, I don't think this guy can handle pressure - in that case he won't have foul mouthed everyone, who questions his selection (By all God's mercy - that was a blunt nepotism, doesn't mean what he has done since). On contrary, I'll say he is more vulnerable .... another "prediction" - let Chachu booted out, you'll see Imam's tougher side. It's easier for someone when after absolutely owned by opening bowers, CS tells that the batsman can be replaced if he fails in future ..... MoHa enjoyed the same luxury with out having an uncle - 18 years and counting, he is there with his 3 facets. If you keep giving chances to a player unconditionally for series after series, one such SAF tour can happen. It happened for Imam at first try and he had Chachu to cash on that (after SAF, his 3 innings against AUS reserves were a treat to watch) ... long back some Taufique Umar had a bigger SAF tour, but he didn't have Cachu to cash on that one tour for long.
Amir is a fixer, which unfortunately is not a monopoly to only him as PAK player ..... if appointed Captain, won't be either as Captain as well. Leave those excuses - team is sinking FAST, and you need a change - but change doesn't mean you replace Maruti with a Lada .....
Useless thread as like OP's other posts in the forum. No solution and the tournament has just started. Going by this logic Imran Khan would have thrown in the towel in 1992 and i thinking people were out for Sarfraz's head after CT17 first defeat against India as well..
From:
"It is not defeat that destroys you, it is being demoralized by defeat that destroy you" - Imran Khan
To:
“Fakhar plays pathano wale shots” - Sarfraz Ahmad
I am suggesting with perfectly sane head, cool mind and still early morning - Ramadan hasn't taken it's effect yet. I have seen PAK cricket more than most here - and don't think I have exposed myself with too many "expert predictions" in PP, that back fired. Batsman Captain is not for you - even Javed, Zaheer, Saeed, Hanif were failure - this kid Imam would do better to spell those names properly. There is a reason that top 5-6 PAK Captains are all bowlers at at least all-rounders.
You mis understood the word "hide" - even Imran, Marshall had bad spells. For a bowling Captain, one can take himself off, relax, rethink tactics and come back for 2nd spell - that doesn't happen for a batsman. Hiding doesn't mean the bowler has to bowl less, rather he can plan his game better than batsman. Unpopular example - check the MINNOW Captain Mashrafee, he hardly misses bowling 10 overs, but exactly knows when he needs to back off and when to make up.
Imam is not the most reliable player, he is the most selfish player - but, he makes this squad on merit (which tells better about both team & player - this time I'll remind that for a MINNOW, another couple of lefti opens and PAK's two won't make further beyond the BENCH there). Making him Captain will only make things worse, because he'll use his Captaincy to safe guard his position, by picking "own" people - every batting Captain will do that for a struggling side, that's the learning from history... and that's not only in PAK. My hunch is, if he is made Captain - first thing he'll do is drop down to No. 3 or 4 .....
No, I don't think this guy can handle pressure - in that case he won't have foul mouthed everyone, who questions his selection (By all God's mercy - that was a blunt nepotism, doesn't mean what he has done since). On contrary, I'll say he is more vulnerable .... another "prediction" - let Chachu booted out, you'll see Imam's tougher side. It's easier for someone when after absolutely owned by opening bowers, CS tells that the batsman can be replaced if he fails in future ..... MoHa enjoyed the same luxury with out having an uncle - 18 years and counting, he is there with his 3 facets. If you keep giving chances to a player unconditionally for series after series, one such SAF tour can happen. It happened for Imam at first try and he had Chachu to cash on that (after SAF, his 3 innings against AUS reserves were a treat to watch) ... long back some Taufique Umar had a bigger SAF tour, but he didn't have Cachu to cash on that one tour for long.
Amir is a fixer, which unfortunately is not a monopoly to only him as PAK player ..... if appointed Captain, won't be either as Captain as well. Leave those excuses - team is sinking FAST, and you need a change - but change doesn't mean you replace Maruti with a Lada .....
I am suggesting with perfectly sane head, cool mind and still early morning - Ramadan hasn't taken it's effect yet. I have seen PAK cricket more than most here - and don't think I have exposed myself with too many "expert predictions" in PP, that back fired. Batsman Captain is not for you - even Javed, Zaheer, Saeed, Hanif were failure - this kid Imam would do better to spell those names properly. There is a reason that top 5-6 PAK Captains are all bowlers at at least all-rounders.
You mis understood the word "hide" - even Imran, Marshall had bad spells. For a bowling Captain, one can take himself off, relax, rethink tactics and come back for 2nd spell - that doesn't happen for a batsman. Hiding doesn't mean the bowler has to bowl less, rather he can plan his game better than batsman. Unpopular example - check the MINNOW Captain Mashrafee, he hardly misses bowling 10 overs, but exactly knows when he needs to back off and when to make up.
Imam is not the most reliable player, he is the most selfish player - but, he makes this squad on merit (which tells better about both team & player - this time I'll remind that for a MINNOW, another couple of lefti opens and PAK's two won't make further beyond the BENCH there). Making him Captain will only make things worse, because he'll use his Captaincy to safe guard his position, by picking "own" people - every batting Captain will do that for a struggling side, that's the learning from history... and that's not only in PAK. My hunch is, if he is made Captain - first thing he'll do is drop down to No. 3 or 4 .....
No, I don't think this guy can handle pressure - in that case he won't have foul mouthed everyone, who questions his selection (By all God's mercy - that was a blunt nepotism, doesn't mean what he has done since). On contrary, I'll say he is more vulnerable .... another "prediction" - let Chachu booted out, you'll see Imam's tougher side. It's easier for someone when after absolutely owned by opening bowers, CS tells that the batsman can be replaced if he fails in future ..... MoHa enjoyed the same luxury with out having an uncle - 18 years and counting, he is there with his 3 facets. If you keep giving chances to a player unconditionally for series after series, one such SAF tour can happen. It happened for Imam at first try and he had Chachu to cash on that (after SAF, his 3 innings against AUS reserves were a treat to watch) ... long back some Taufique Umar had a bigger SAF tour, but he didn't have Cachu to cash on that one tour for long.
Amir is a fixer, which unfortunately is not a monopoly to only him as PAK player ..... if appointed Captain, won't be either as Captain as well. Leave those excuses - team is sinking FAST, and you need a change - but change doesn't mean you replace Maruti with a Lada .....
If fakhar and hasan perform like they did in CT we will win this wc. Both were unknown quantities who hit a purple patch at the same time. Unfortunately, both of there purple patch is long gone and people have now studied them!So, if he was “lucky” to have Fakhar and Hasan in the form of their life, would you say he’s unlucky to have 10 players who struggled to perform today? Or unlucky that team’s inexperienced pace attack and dropped catches in the England series was a big reason for 4-0?
Misbah has won most tests for Pakistan as captain. He's a batsman. This notion that Pakistan can only do well if it has a bowling captain is absolutely ridiculous.
We can just agree to disagree. You have your opinions formed of Imam so I understand your disdain of even accepting the notion that he can become captain.
If imam decides to drop himself to number 4 in test cricket, it'll be for the better since he's probably the best batter in the team right now in Tests. So yeah he should bat at number 4 totally. Much better than Haris Sohail. And by the way I'm curious to learn who are Imams "own people"?
If fakhar and hasan perform like they did in CT we will win this wc. Both were unknown quantities who hit a purple patch at the same time. Unfortunately, both of there purple patch is long gone and people have now studied them!
Yes, Fakhar and Hasan had awesome performances throughout the CT win, especially Hasan’s wickets during middle overs to break open partnerships and Fakhar’s hundred in the final.
I’m just trying to make a point regarding what OP stated above, pretty much stating that he was lucky that we won a major tournament because we had players in their purple patch. However, now that the team is losing and almost all of the players had an off day. Why not pin it down to players having an off day and “luck” again instead of calling for his head, It’s a team sport after. If players “form” gets credit for the victories shouldn’t it be vice versa?
Lol we don't need to panic losing to WI but we should upset a gun team and likely winners to beat in Australia?
I think we are overhyping WI too much, i dont think they have the fitness to play consistently for 9 games. Two of the players were limping already its a long tournament and WI wont last.
If this would have been true, no board would ever have changed their captain, coach etc in case of non performing team as according to the logic its not their fault that that players are doing badly.
In my opinion if you are given a job and you are failing in that then there are no arguments left. Sarfaraz is supposed to lead his team to victories with tactics, planning, his own performances and by inspiring others. He has failed miserable in that role for almost last two years so he deserves every bit of criticism.
[MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] I had said it 1 year ago, Pakistan needed to sack Sarfraz and install Imam as captain. Not because Imam is a world class player but because Imam is someone who can grow into the role as he is a thinking player and someone who thrives under adversity. And doesn't regurgitate "captain coach gave confidence and played my natural game **". About time Pakistan resets itself after the World Cup and say goodbye to Sarfraz in all forms.
The first and foremost criteria of appointing a captain is that he should make the team on 100% merit and be in the right age bracket where he can potentially lead the side for many, many years. When you look at this Pakistan team, it eventually narrows down to Babar and Imam. Some will argue about Fakhar, but his batting is a lottery and he is already 30. He may not necessarily be in the team in 2023, but Babar and Imam will unless something bizarre happens.
Few months ago, I had no doubt in my mind that Babar should be the next captain, but Imam has emerged as a serious contender as well. He might be a better option because he appears to be a mentally tougher character.