Cricket

Pakistan's dismal performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked a major shake-up within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to a report in the 'Jang' newspaper, some Pakistani players accepted appearance fees as low as USD 2500 per person to attend a meet-and-greet function in Dallas on the sidelines of the tournament. The report also revealed that another event, 'A Night with Stars,' was canceled due to payment discrepancies between captain Babar Azam and other players.These revelations have prompted PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to hold senior management officials responsible for the team's indiscipline and poor performance. Sources within the PCB have confirmed that Naqvi is considering dismissing senior officials and implementing stricter policies for players.One of the key issues identified is the presence of players' families at the World Cup. The PCB is expected to announce a policy prohibiting players from bringing their families to major events. The source said that some senior officials had allowed players to bring their families, which contributed to the team's lack of focus.Another issue is the alleged rift between Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi over captaincy. The source said that the team is divided, with some players supporting Azam and others backing Afridi.The PCB is also facing criticism for its handling of central contracts. Sources claim that some senior management officials have been patronizing players, leading to indiscipline and a lack of accountability.The PCB is now conducting a performance assessment of all senior management officials. The board is also considering enforcing a code of conduct for players to prevent future incidents of indiscipline and unprofessionalism.

Pakistan's dismal performance at the ongoing T20 World Cup has sparked a storm of criticism, with former wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman alleging rampant indiscipline within the team.Atiq, in a viral video, accused the team of excessive entourage and a lack of focus. He claimed that the traveling party included 17 officials and 17 players, with 60 rooms booked for their accommodation."You have gone there to play cricket or to holiday?" Atiq questioned.He also criticized the presence of families accompanying players during the tournament. "Why do you allow families in big events? They go out in the evening and focus shifts from cricket," he said.Atiq further alleged that players were not acting responsibly despite being well-paid by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "Such a culture has been created in Pakistan cricket that nobody knows what is discipline," he said.The former stumper's revelations have opened a can of worms, exposing the alleged groupism and administrative failures within the PCB. The team's early exit from the World Cup has led to scathing criticism and calls for accountability.Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup winners, finished third in Group A, behind India and USA. The top two teams from each group progressed to the 'Super 8s'.