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Pakistan's crisis has reached the highest possible level after their sixth successive Test defeat, sending them to the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The Men in Green last won a home Test in 2021, but their recent loss on their own turf is different from the rest for plenty of reasons.
Shan Masood and company made the most of a flat pitch by piling on 556 runs in the first innings, a safe and match-winning total on most days. However, England went one step further to pile on a record total. Even at this stage, Pakistan had the opportunity to play out the contest and at least etch out a draw.
However, in true Pakistan fashion, they found a way to crumble in extraordinary fashion and end up losing by an innings and 47 runs. While fans have more or less lost faith in Pakistan cricket altogether, as evidenced by the dismal turnout at the stadium, the nature of the loss has evoked a whole new level of frustration.
The pundits also contributed their opinions, blaming the management, the players' ability and commitment, and even the playing surface. On that note, let us take a look at the top five reactions to Pakistan's embarrassing defeat in the 1st PAK vs. ENG 2024 Test.
#1 Basit Ali
The former Pakistani cricketer has been making the headlines with his scathing remarks repeatedly. He was highly critical of the management, and spoke about the messy system that has led Pakistan cricket to this state.
He also accused the management of favoritism rather than selecting players on merit.
"These foreign coaches, management are making a fool of us. Back-biting is being openly done in this current system. This person did this, this person did that. No one comes here on the basis of merit. There is too much of favouritism and the hurtful thing is the spread of lies. Speak lies and get your work done," Basit Ali said on his YouTube channel.
#2 Shoaib Akhtar
The former Pakistani pacer, who was part of an iconic pace bowling unit in his days, had to watch Shaheen Afridi and company toil in the Multan heat. The pacers were no threat on a lifeless pitch for the England batters, particularly Joe Root and Harry Brook, who stitched together a record partnership for the fourth wicket.
Akhtar issued a heartfelt plea to the PCB to resolve the dire situation and take the team on a route to progress.
"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," Shoaib Akhtar said.
#3 Nasser Hussain
The former England captain felt that Pakistan cricket's issues are right in their foundation and core are the reason behind their horrid run. He refused to place blame on Shan Masood, who is yet to guide the team to a win since taking over as Test captain.
He cited the constant change of personnel when it came to the coaching staff and the higher-ups as a huge factor behind the nation's free-fall in the cricketing world.
"I don't blame Shan Masood. You have to look at what goes on behind the scenes in Pakistan cricket. Name me one sporting environment, team or a business that does well with constant change behind the scenes, constant changes in chairman of selectors, chief executives, captains, coaches," Hussain told Sky Sports.
"If there's constant changes, there's constant messages that are coming in that are different, and that consistency that was always lacking in Pakistan cricket goes even more out of the window. They have structural issues in their cricket, and that's the world game's fault as well. It's not their faul," he added.
#4 Ramiz Raja
The former PCB chairman was sacked from the role after England had whitewashed Pakistan 3-0 in 2022. With not much changing in a good way since his departure, he has spoken up about the team's recent performances in the media and his YouTube channel in the recent past.
He mentioned that Pakistan embarrassed themselves midway through the contest, and elaborated after the disappointing result. He questioned why the think-tank opted for such a pitch knowing that it has backfired in the past as well.
"I'm sure bowlers will be questioning the quality of this track because they bend their back and nothing has happened. You start questioning why such a surface was provided and why are we playing on such a surface at home," Raja said via Wisden.
#5 Danish Kaneria
The former spinner was left fuming after Pakistan's embarrassing display. He elaborated on how Pakistan cricket is no more, and a massive change needs to happen for any hope of its long-term survival.
"Aaj Pakistan cricket team ka janaaza nikal gaya (Today Pakistan cricket team died). I mean, what should I say? The way they has played cricket, either they should stop playing cricket or if they want to play then they should bring youngsters," Kaneria said on his YouTube channel.
"I feel like abusing them. Even we have played home series in Pakistan and played on dead wickets. Where has the reverse swing gone? Where are the bouncers?" he added.
The second Test between England and Pakistan will take place at the same venue from October 15 onwards.
