'There is pressure on us': Pakistan's ICC trophy drought adds to players' burden
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SHUBHANSHU DWIVEDI
Pakistan's cricket team faces intense scrutiny ahead of their home tri-series against Sri Lanka and England. While captain Shaheen Afridi has backed Babar Azam, legends like Shoaib Akhtar and players like Fakhar Zaman acknowledge the mounting pressure to end a decade-long ICC trophy drought.
A Critical Juncture for Pakistan Cricket
The Pakistan national cricket team stands at a pivotal crossroads as they prepare to host a high-stakes tri-series against Sri Lanka and England at Rawalpindi. This series serves as more than just a bilateral contest; it acts as a crucible for a squad currently grappling with internal transition, public criticism, and the weight of historical expectations. As the team looks to move past a dismal performance in the UK, the focus remains firmly on leadership and the form of their premier batting talent, Babar Azam.
The Leadership and the Backbone
Amidst the swirling rumors regarding team selection, ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has stepped forward to provide a definitive vote of confidence in Babar Azam. By labeling Azam the 'backbone' of the team, Afridi is attempting to shield his star batter from the intense media scrutiny that followed a difficult UK tour. While Azam’s struggles in Test cricket—marked by a lack of centuries since December 2022—have been well-documented, his ODI record remains relatively robust. The captain’s backing is a strategic move to foster stability within the dressing room as they head into a tournament that requires immediate results.
The Shadow of the ICC Trophy Drought
Beyond the immediate tri-series, the broader narrative surrounding Pakistan cricket is defined by a decade-long absence from the ICC winner's circle. Batter Fakhar Zaman has candidly admitted that the squad is acutely aware of the 'pressure' to end this dry spell. Since their last major victory in 2017, the team has experienced near-misses, most notably the 2022 T20 World Cup final loss to England. This collective anxiety has become a defining characteristic of the current era, as the team looks toward the 2027 50-over World Cup as the next major horizon to break the jinx.
Expert Criticism and the Threat of Axing
Adding to the tension, legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has injected a sense of urgency into the discourse. By suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might be considering drastic measures—including the potential dropping of senior stars like Babar Azam—Akhtar has highlighted the 'unseen pressure' currently permeating the team. This rhetoric suggests that the upcoming tri-series may function as a final audition for several veterans. The implication is clear: the era of guaranteed selection is over, and performance must now dictate tenure.
Future Trends and Strategic Implications
Looking ahead, Pakistan cricket faces a difficult balancing act. They must integrate younger talent while relying on the experience of players like Azam and Afridi to navigate the complexities of international formats. If the team fails to perform during this home series, the PCB may be forced into a radical restructuring of the squad. The upcoming months will reveal whether the current leadership can weather this storm of public doubt or if the team will undergo a significant personnel overhaul to prepare for future ICC events.
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