Sydney, October 4, 2024 — Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its lack of foresight and planning, claiming the nation’s recent string of poor performances could have been avoided with better preparation.
Watson, a key figure in Australia’s 2007 and 2015 World Cup-winning squads, expressed his frustration during a live interview following Pakistan’s disappointing run in the recent Asia Cup and their struggles in the lead-up to the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“It’s not just about the talent on the field; it’s about how well you plan off it,” Watson remarked. “Pakistan has some of the most talented cricketers in the world, but the lack of proper infrastructure, leadership continuity, and strategic planning is something that cannot be ignored. It’s been clear for a while now that the PCB has not been able to implement a consistent vision for their team.”
Watson’s comments come after Pakistan’s shocking defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, a match that raised further questions about the country’s approach to team management, player fitness, and tactical adaptability.
“If you look at the top cricketing nations, you can see clear, long-term plans in place. But with Pakistan, it’s always a matter of patching things up last minute. The unpredictability that has become synonymous with the team could, in large part, be due to poor planning off the field,” Watson added.
In recent months, Pakistan has also been under scrutiny for its failure to provide a stable leadership structure. The constant changes in captaincy and coaching staff have led to inconsistent team performance and a lack of coherence in their playing style.
“There’s a lack of continuity, and when you don’t have the right support system in place, players inevitably feel the pressure. You can’t expect the team to deliver results under those circumstances,” Watson concluded.
Despite Pakistan’s vast pool of talent, including star players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan, Watson’s remarks highlight a growing frustration with the PCB’s handling of the national team’s affairs.
As Pakistan prepares for the T20 World Cup, many are questioning whether the team can turn things around in time or if more structural changes are needed to bring long-term success to one of cricket’s most storied nations.
