Defeat to India may trigger major changes in Pakistan team management

After facing a crushing defeat against arch-rivals India, it is time for a knee-jerk reaction in Pakistan. The governing board of country’s cricket body – Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – is likely to make major changes in the team management during its upcoming meeting on Wednesday. Besides coach Mickey Arthur and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq, team manager Talat Ali and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood could be shown the door.

Pakistan suffered their seventh successive defeat against India in the World Cup when they tasted a 89-run defeat at Old Trafford. Chasing a mammoth target of 337 in 50 overs, Pakistan could manage 212 for 6 after 40 overs when the revised target was 302 after rain interruption. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed came under heavy criticism for having sent India to bat after winning the toss. Rohit Sharma scored 140 while skipper Virat Kohli and KL Rahul notched up half-centuries to power the Indian innings.

It was also learnt that PCB Managing Director Wasim Khan has cut short his foreign visit for the meeting scheduled in Lahore. Besides taking calls on team management, the board will also discuss the new cricket structure at home. The governing board of the PCB meets every three months and is likely to discuss the performance of the Pakistan cricket team at the World Cup at its upcoming meeting, sources said.

However, inside sources in the PCB, according to Geo TV, said that no decisions will be made hastily. Reports will be submitted by Ali and Arthur after the conclusion of the tournament and the next steps will be taken based on that.

Pakistan have lost 13 of their last 16 games

Pakistan are going through a horror run over the past few months. After losing the series decider against South Africa on their soil, they lost 0-5 to Australia in the UAE and 0-4 to England in England. And now, they have lost three of their five games played so far in the tournament. Out of the last 16 games, Pakistan have lost 13 and won only one while one matches against Sri Lanka was washed out. Even they lost to Afghanistan in a warm-up match ahead of the World Cup.