Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja has sounded the alarm bell, warning that Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup are precarious. In a startling admission, Raja conceded that the team’s opening match against hosts USA could end in defeat. “I’m worried Pakistan might even lose to the USA in the T20 World Cup. The Americans could be a surprise package for us,” he said, acknowledging the rapid growth of emerging cricketing nations.
Raja’s concerns are rooted in Pakistan’s current form, which he believes lacks cohesion and makes them vulnerable to any opposition. This was evident in their recent series against Ireland, where they lost the first T20I but managed to level the series with a win in the second match. However, it took a remarkable partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman to secure victory.
The USA cricket team, led by captain Monank Patel, has made significant strides in recent years, thanks to investments in infrastructure and talent development. Their qualification for the T20 World Cup is a testament to their progress. Raja’s remarks highlight the unpredictability of Babar Azam’s men in the shortest format of the game, with consistency being the biggest concern.
Pakistan will face Ireland in the final T20I tomorrow, followed by a four-match T20 series in the last week of May, just before their encounter with USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The team will need to regroup and find their footing if they hope to make a strong showing in the World Cup.
