Pakistan succumbed to a humiliating 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in opening Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday (August 25).
After conceding a sizeable first-innings lead of 117 runs, Pakistan’s second essay folded for just 146 and Bangladesh chased down the paltry target of 30 in 6.3 overs to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Pakistan’s embarrassing display has sparked strong reactions from their former players, including Ramiz Raja.
The former PCB chief suggested that this loss was related to their listless performance in the Asia Cup 2023 against India in Colombo, where the Pakistani bowling attack was taken to the cleaners.
Ramiz pointed out a noticeable decline in the fast-bowling prowess, citing that the issues became apparent following the Asia Cup when Indian batters launched a counterattack on the Pakistan pacers.
"Firstly, there was a mistake in team selection. You were without a spinner. Secondly, the reputation on which we rely for our fast bowlers is finished. This debacle, a sort of confidence crisis, started during the Asia Cup when India bashed our pacers on seaming conditions. Then the secret was out to the world: the way to counter this line-up was to attack. Their speeds have decreased, and so have their skill set," Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.
The cricketer-turned-commentator was also critical of Shan Masood's captaincy. He highlighted Masood's inability to read playing conditions properly, which led to the decision of going with a four-pronged pace attack in the Rawalpindi Test.
"Shan Masood is currently on a losing streak. I felt, in Australian conditions, things are tougher and it was impossible for the Pakistan team to win a series there. But you are now losing in home conditions against a team like Bangladesh because you did not read the conditions well," he remarked.
Raja didn’t mince his words as he said that Masood needed significant improvement in his batting to validate his position in the team.
"He needs to work on his batting. It's not like he is a great captain, and so if he keeps getting out for ducks, he would still have his place in the side. Losing makes a huge dent in the team and the morale of the side. You cannot lose the series. Pakistan cricket is already under a lot of pressure. A series loss would mean tension in the dressing room; there will be a lot of criticism and questions raised," he stated.
Pakistan will look to bounce back in the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to be held in Rawalpindi from August 30.
