Pakistan succumbed to another humiliating defeat on home soil in the longest format as England hammered them by an innings and 47 runs in the Multan Test on Friday (October 11).
In reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 556, the visitors piled up a mammoth 823/7 before declaring, curtesy of Harry Brook’s triple century (317) and Joe Root’s double hundred (262).
After conceding a substantial lead of 267 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 220 in their second innings to concede a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
This was Pakistan’s sixth consecutive Test loss and third on the bounce at home, leading to strong reactions from their fans and former players alike.
Former speedster Shoaib Akhtar didn't mince his words while criticizing the players and management. He mentioned that Pakistan's cricket has been on a downward spiral over the last decade or so, and also called the current crop of players "not good enough".
"You will reap what you sow. Over the decades, I have seen the decline. The situation is disappointing. Losing is fine, but the game should be close. However, what we saw over the past two days, they completely gave up hope. This shows that we aren't good enough. England scored 800+ and Bangladesh also beat you," Akhtar said during a discussion on PTV Sports.
The Rawalpindi Express called the situation "disheartening" as he addressed the possibility of Pakistan losing its Test status.
"Fans are saying that Pakistan should withdraw from WTC. I saw some comments. ICC must be thinking 'should we send teams to Pakistan and keep their Test status alive'. It's just disheartening. This is going to hurt Pakistan cricket, fans and the upcoming talents. I want to request the PCB to sort out this mess," he added.
According to reports, Pakistan’s performance has also been impacted by groupism within the team with multiple players eager to take over captaincy.
Commenting on this matter, Akhtar said: "If your management and captain are weak, there will be groupism. If the captain is selfish, there will be groupism. Same is the case if the coaches are afraid of the captain. The captain calls the shot when it comes to selection. This has been the culture since my playing days."
Pakistan have now gone 11 consecutive Tests at home without a win with their last win coming in February 2021 against South Africa.
The pressure on the Shan Masood-led side is at an all-time high and they will be desperate to change their fortunes in the second Test against England, slated to be held in Multan from October 15.
