Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed strong disapproval of Pakistan’s use of Naseem Shah’s absence as an excuse for their underwhelming performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. While Pakistan began their campaign with victories against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, a series of defeats against India, Australia, and Afghanistan have left their World Cup aspirations in disarray.
In their most recent loss on Monday, Pakistan faced an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Aakash Chopra believes that Pakistan fans should be questioning the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rather than relying on excuses about Naseem Shah’s unavailability. He noted that Pakistan’s poor performance in the World Cup is part of a broader trend that began with their fourth-place finish in the Asia Cup 2023.
Aakash Chopra Criticizes PCB For Pakistan’s Poor Show
Naseem Shah is a damn good bowler. No doubt about it.
But using his absence as an excuse for losing three matches in a row is a cop-out. People from Pakistan on this platform need to ask questions to the PCB instead. Finished Fourth in the Asia Cup. Now, the World Cup. How did…— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 24, 2023
Aakash Chopra took to social media and wrote, “Naseem Shah is a damn good bowler. No doubt about it. But using his absence as an excuse for losing three matches in a row is a cop-out. People from Pakistan on this platform need to ask questions to the PCB instead. Finished fourth in the Asia Cup. Now, the World Cup. How did it come to this??”
Naseem Shah was sidelined from the World Cup after sustaining a shoulder injury during the Asia Cup Super Four match at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The young pacer subsequently underwent shoulder surgery. Pakistan finished last at the Super 4s points table in the Asia Cup 2023 and now they are struggling in the World Cup.
Pakistan’s current position in the World Cup 2023 standings places them fifth, with four points and a net run rate of -0.400, achieved through two victories in five matches. Their next challenge will be against South Africa on Friday, October 27, at the Chepauk. Pakistan will have to win their next encounters to secure a spot in the top four. It is not an easy road ahead for the Men in Green and they will have to bounce back hard and strong.
The post PAK vs SA: ‘Naseem Shah Is Good Bowler But…’ – Aakash Chopra Criticizes Pakistan For Using Pacer’s Absence As Excuse appeared first on CricketAddictor.
