The Pakistan cricket team was criticized by former Indian cricketers Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag for using Naseem Shah’s absence as an excuse after losing to Afghanistan in their fifth match of the 2017 ICC Cricket World Cup. The setback was the third in a row for the 1992 winners, who had previously lost to Australia and India.
Aakash Chopra slammed Pakistan and said that their disappointing performance in the competition must be questioned by the fans.
The 46-year-old also brought up Pakistan’s poor performance at the 2023 Asia Cup, where the Men in Green came in fourthplace.
“Naseem Shah bowls damn well. Without a question. However, blaming his absence as a justification for dropping three straight games is a cop-out. Instead than asking queries on this forum, Pakistanis should address the PCB. fourth place in the Asia Cup. the World Cup is now. How did it get to this point? On X, Chopra wrote.
Naseem Shah is a damn good bowler. No doubt about it.
But using his absence as an excuse for losing three matches in a row is a cop-out. People from Pakistan on this platform need to ask questions to the PCB instead. Finished Fourth in the Asia Cup. Now, the World Cup. How did…— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 24, 2023
Sehwag, on the other side, reprimanded Babar Azam and company for failing to recognize their flaws. The legendary batsman continued to laud Afghanistan for achieving their first ODI victory over Pakistan.
“Pakistan is an unpredictable team, but given how they have been coming up with weak justifications for their prior losses, this was undoubtedly going to happen. simply avoided concentrating on their numerous flaws. What a proud day for Afghanisitans; they had numerous opportunities to reach the finish line. “#AFGvsPAK,” Sehwag said in his post.
Pakistan is an unpredictable side but the way they have been making lame excuses for their earlier defeats, this was certainly on the cards. Just did not focus on their many weaknesses. What a proud day for Afghanisitan, came close many times but today crossed the line. #AFGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/axdkdSZVFo
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 23, 2023
For the uninitiated, Naseem’s injury received at the Asia Cup prevented him from competing in the main event. During the rain-drenched Super Four match against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo in September, the 20-year-old injured his shoulder. He underwent shoulder surgery, and he is improving significantly.