The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, with moments of triumph and heartbreak. One team that has particularly faced the agony of defeat is Pakistan, who, after winning only four out of the nine games they played, have been knocked out of the tournament. In stark contrast, their arch-rivals, India, have been soaring high, winning all eight of their group-stage matches convincingly and securing a spot in the semi-finals as the top-ranked team.
Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has left their fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world in shock. The team’s performance on the field has been nothing short of dismal. The bowlers, who were expected to be the driving force of the team, have struggled to contain the opposition, giving away runs with alarming frequency. The batters, on the other hand, have failed to make their mark in the tournament, leaving the team in precarious situations.
One of the most surprising aspects of Pakistan’s performance in the World Cup has been the underwhelming performance of their spinners. In a tournament held in India, where spin-friendly pitches are the norm, Pakistan’s spinners have failed to exert any sort of pressure on the opposition. This has been a significant setback for a team that has traditionally relied on its spin bowlers to dominate in subcontinental conditions.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s highly talented and charismatic captain, has found himself at the center of controversy and criticism. His captaincy in the World Cup has come under intense scrutiny, with many questioning his decision-making and leadership skills. The media has not been kind to Babar, and calls for a complete overhaul of the team’s leadership have been echoing in the cricketing world.
In stark contrast to Pakistan’s struggles, India has emerged as a dominant force in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Indian team has not only won all eight of their group stage matches but has done so convincingly. The question that arises is, what has contributed to India’s remarkable success in international cricket?
Sourav Ganguly Fires Warning To Pakistan After World Cup Exit
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, a revered figure in Indian cricket, sheds some light on this. He emphasized that the success of Indian cricket cannot be solely attributed to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ganguly emphasized the importance of playing longer formats of the game, such as 4-day and 5-day cricket, for players to develop and excel. He stated, “Quality cannot come from playing only IPL, quality comes from playing 4-day, 5-day cricket. If you play more T20 cricket, you will remain mediocre.”
Ganguly further emphasized that the strength of Indian cricket lies in its extensive infrastructure. India boasts a vast network of domestic cricket, with numerous matches and players participating throughout the year. The former BCCI president noted, “The entire Indian cricketing infrastructure is incredible. There are so many matches, so many players, and we are lucky in that way.” Ganguly also pointed out that money in Indian cricket is invested wisely in the players, ensuring that first-class cricketers are well compensated. This, in turn, contributes to the overall strength of the Indian cricket team.
While acknowledging India’s cricketing power, Ganguly did not overlook the talent in Pakistan. He urged Pakistan to make specific changes that could elevate their cricketing status. With players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Imam-ul-Haq in their ranks, Pakistan has the raw talent to achieve greatness. However, strategic changes and improvements are necessary to harness this potential fully.
“Money is used in the right direction, they are used on the players. First-class cricket has seen an incredible pay rise. The first-class cricketers play cricket from September to March and then 2 months of IPL. And I think it is because of this system that the team is so strong. And of course the match security,” Ganguly explained.
“There is a lot of talent in your country too. I keep hearing about it. The country that has Shaheen Shah Afridi, the team that has Rizwan, Babar, and Imam could be great if some specific changes are made,” Ganguly concluded.
