Pietersen, known for his candid opinions, questioned the team’s downfall on social media after their loss against Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi.Bangladesh scripted history by registering their first-ever win over Pakistan in Test cricket.
“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 wrote on X.
Bangladesh’s 10-wicket thrashing of Pakistan was their first victory over the Asian rivals after 14 Tests. Pietersen emphasised that Pakistan has always been a formidable force in cricket, and their current struggles are concerning.
Pakistan’s recent struggles in international cricket have been further compounded by their loss, which saw them eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the initial round after defeats against the USA and India.
Prior to the World Cup, they suffered a 0-2 series loss against England in the T20I format and could only manage a 2-2 draw against a second-string New Zealand side in a five-match series. Pakistan even experienced a shocking T20I defeat against Ireland in May.
They were beaten 1-4 in a five-match series against New Zealand on foreign soil in January 2024. Babar Azam-lead team also missed out on a semi-final spot in the ODI World Cup 2023.
Moreover, Pakistan’s home Test record since 2022 has been dismal, with their last victory dating back to February 2021 against South Africa. In the nine home Tests played since 2022, Pakistan have endured five losses and four draws.
Source Agencies
