Pakistan’s disappointing group stage exit at the T20 World Cup 2024 has drawn criticism from former cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman. Atiq-uz-Zaman slammed Pakistan players for holidaying in UK despite their nightmarish campaign in the T20 World Cup. Babar Azam’s men, runners-up in the 2022 edition, began their campaign with a surprising loss to co-hosts USA. They then fell short again in a low-scoring encounter against arch-rivals India. Despite victories over Ireland and Canada, Pakistan finished behind both USA and India in Group A, leading to their early exit.

Atiq-uz-Zaman, a former wicketkeeper-batter, took to social media to express his concerns.  He particularly questioned the team’s overall preparation and focus, hinting at a lack of seriousness during their pre-tournament stay in the UK.  His comments suggest a belief that a more dedicated approach could have resulted in a better showing at the World Cup.

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Atiq-uz-Zaman cracks whip at Pakistan players for holidaying in UK

In a video circulating on social media, Atiq directly raised questions on Pakistan team’s overall approach, suggesting a lack of focus and professionalism within the camp. This criticism comes after Pakistan’s underwhelming performance at the T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage.

“You are creating such a drama. During our time, there used to be a coach and with him a manager — the team was run like that. Ab aapke 17 log hain officials mein aur 17 players hain, suna hai ke aapne 60 kamre book karvaye hue they (you have 17 officials and 17 players; it’s being said you booked 60 rooms). That’s a joke! Have you gone there to play cricket or to holiday?,” Atiq said.

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup disappointment has been compounded by reports of some key players vacationing in the UK after the tournament’s conclusion. According to Express Tribune, skipper Babar Azam, Azam Khan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, and Imad Wasim chose to travel to the UK for a break following the team’s exit. This decision has raised eyebrows, especially considering Pakistan’s historic group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup.  The report suggests the players opted to spend time with family and friends before returning to national duty.

“Why do you allow families in big events?…Begum, jaan nahi chhodti; aapne aadat bana di hai, begum ko saath le ke ghoomne ki aadat hai (you have made it a habit to travel with wife on tours). They go out in the evening and focus shifts from cricket. They focus on family, kids, wife…Takeaways pe khana kha rahe hote hain…aur wahan pe unki movieyan chal rahi hoti hain (they are eating at takeaway joints and are being captured on videos there),” Atiq added.

“Such a culture has been created in Pakistan cricket that nobody knows what is discipline…You have gone to play such a big event, where is your focus?…Can’t you leave everything else and focus on cricket alone for two weeks? You are being paid crores annually,” Atiq concluded.

Despite their recent struggles, Pakistan will look to bounce back with a two-Test series against Bangladesh at home in August.

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