LAHORE – After the national team’s historic poor performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has started preparation for ‘major surgery’.
Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup has ended, with the national team set to play its final and formal match against Ireland.
In response to the team’s historically poor performance in the World Cup, the sources say that the major changes are being planned for the Pakistan cricket team and management.
According to the PCB sources, upon the team’s return to Pakistan, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board will initiate “Operation Clean-Up,” which will result in the dismissal of out-of-form players.
The sources said that middle-order batsmen Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, and Usman Khan may face difficulties in retaining their places in the team, while domestic performers will now be given opportunities in the Pakistan cricket team.
According to the board sources, Captain Babar Azam would also have to answer for the team’s poor performance.
They said that the major changes are expected in the team management.
Senior team manager and selector Wahab Riaz, they said, would also face the challenge of retaining his position, while head coach Gary Kirsten would present a comprehensive report on the team’s performance in the World Cup to PCB Chairman Syed Mohsin Naqvi upon the team’s return.
It may mentioned here that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had already hinted at major changes in the team after the loss to India.
Furthermore, the sources said that the central contracts of the national cricket team would also be reviewed, and players with poor performance might face demotion in their central contracts.
