In answer to a question about whether Babar Azam and company should split into two teams for different formats as India does, veteran Pakistani cricketer Kamran Akmal delivered a scathing retort.
Multiple teams, each led by a different captain, are now standard practice for many elite squads. Since about a year ago, India has fielded a number of different combinations, with various captains across formats, joining the ranks of England and Australia as the first teams to embrace the concept. A number of cricketers, both active and retired, have praised India for creating a large pool of players, while others have criticized the country for making too many roster changes. Veteran wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal responded pretty bluntly when asked if Pakistan can field numerous teams like India.
Akmal said on Paktv.tv, “Pehle aap ek toh poori kar lein (First, you need to complete your first team).”
Former Pakistani international player (41) claims the elimination of department cricket hurts the national team.
“Before the 2018-2019 season, you may have qualified for two or three squads. The cricket that you play at home was present. Pakistan’s office cricket scene was ripe with depth. I’ve been going there for years and years to play, so I know. Now that we’re at the top, it’ll be tough to make even one team. Fawad Alam wouldn’t have returned after all this time if having six teams was such a big deal “Moreover, he said.
All-format captain Babar Azam led Pakistan to the finals of the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup last year, but they came up short in both tournaments.
Pakistan lost all eight of their home Test matches (P8, W0, L4, D4) and was swept by England (0-3).
