Pakistan’s cricket enthusiasts are reeling from a shocking defeat at the hands of the United States in the T20 World Cup, with emotions ranging from hurt to anger and disbelief. The unexpected loss, marked by a Super Over thriller, has left fans in dismay and sparked calls for introspection within the cricketing fraternity.
Retired banker Raja Jameel, reflecting the sentiments of many fans, expressed deep distress following the match, which he described as a “historic rock-bottom” moment for Pakistani cricket. The defeat, witnessed by fans across the country who stayed up late to watch the game, has prompted demands for a thorough investigation into the team’s performance.
Former cricketer turned analyst Sikander Bakht labeled the defeat as one of the biggest upsets in the history of cricket, drawing parallels to Pakistan beating America at basketball. The loss has evoked a sense of national disappointment, with former players like Basit Ali attributing it to poor squad selection by captain Babar Azam.
Critics lamented Pakistan’s decline in performance over the years, with some, like former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, describing it as the “worst day” for Pakistan cricket. Mohammad Amjad Abbasi, echoing similar sentiments, highlighted the perceived weakness of the Pakistani team compared to the fledgling USA side.
The defeat, characterized by missed opportunities and tactical errors, has left fans disillusioned and disheartened. Many expressed a loss of interest in watching future matches, citing disappointment with the team’s performance.
Despite the lack of interest in cricket in the United States, where the game barely registers, Pakistan’s defeat made headlines across the country. The media coverage in Pakistan painted a grim picture of the loss, with newspapers describing it as a “humbling” and “disastrous” start to the tournament.
As Pakistan prepares to face arch-rivals India in their next match, fans are grappling with mixed feelings of anticipation and apprehension. The outcome of the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining Pakistan’s journey in the tournament, with hopes resting on a potential turnaround in performance.
