Rizwan, Iftikhar Struggle Against Local Bowler, Sparking Calls for Pakistan Team Reshuffle

Pakistan's cricket team has come under fire after a video emerged showing batting stalwarts Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed struggling against a local net bowler. The video, which has gone viral on social media, has reignited calls for a major reshuffling in the team.

Rizwan and Iftikhar, who were key members of Pakistan's squad at the 2024 T20 World Cup, have been criticized for their poor form in recent months. Rizwan, in particular, has been under scrutiny for his slow strike rate and inability to guide Pakistan to victory in crucial matches. Iftikhar, on the other hand, has failed to make a significant impact with the bat.

The video, which was captured during a practice session, shows Rizwan and Iftikhar being beaten by pace and bounce multiple times by local bowler Nouman Khan Khaira. The footage has sparked outrage among fans, who have called for the duo to be dropped from the team.

"These local boys should be taken into the Pakistani team and those playing for the side should be rested," said one user on Twitter.

"They even struggled against part-time software engineers of USA," joked another user on Instagram.

Rizwan's struggles at the 2024 T20 World Cup were particularly disappointing. Despite finishing as Pakistan's second-highest run-scorer, he batted at a strike rate of just 90. Most notably, Rizwan failed to guide Pakistan to a victory against India despite being well set during the run chase.

Iftikhar, on the other hand, made just 23 runs in two games and was dropped from the playing XI.

Pakistan's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup has led to widespread criticism of the team's performance. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi has promised a "major surgery" in the wake of the team's disappointing campaign.

However, recent reports have suggested that Naqvi is unlikely to make large-scale changes in order to avoid conflict with the senior players.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #MohammadRizwan, #IftikharAhmed, #T20WorldCup, #TeamReshuffle