Pakistan players' wives blamed for their shambolic outing in T20 World Cup 2024 by former Pakistan cricketer

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Atiq-uz-Zaman has criticized the Babar Azam-led team for their lack of discipline and focus during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Atiq-uz-Zaman questioned the current Pakistan cricket team players' commitment to the game in the T20 World Cup despite earning substantial amounts.

The Pakistan team faced a disappointing group-stage exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Green suffered surprising losses to the United States of America (USA) in their first match and a narrow defeat against arch-rivals India. Their unexpected early exit drew criticism from fans and experts alike.

Focus On Cricket Gets Diverted - Atiq-uz-Zaman

Speaking on the PakPassion YouTube channel, Atiq-uz-Zaman accused players of bringing their families along, which diverted their focus from cricket. Zaman stated players traveled with their families, spent evenings with them, and engaged in leisure activities.

“You have created this habit that you take your wife along and people do that, the players’ focus on cricket gets diverted and they are with their wives, and children in the evening. Then at night, you are going to have food at takeaways, watching movies. Begumo ko Saath Leke Ghuume Ki Aadat Hai. A system has been created in Pakistan cricket, a culture of no discipline. You are playing such a big event, where is your focus? You are earning crores to focus on cricket, can you not focus on cricket just for 2 weeks?" said Zaman.

Haris Rauf was involved in a public altercation with a fan outside the team hotel. Video footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting Rauf to address the situation by posting a tweet. The footage showed that Rauf was with his wife when the incident took place.

Former Pakistan T20I skipper Shaheen Afridi was also involved in an altercation with an Afghanistan fan during the T20I series against Ireland in away conditions. The left-arm pacer was unhappy with the situation and requested security to remove the fan from the premises.

Now You Have 17 Officials Alongside 17 Players - Atiq-uz-Zaman

Atiq-uz-Zaman pointed out the excessive number of officials and players' families accompanying them on tours. The former cricketer stated that such arrangements distract from the team's focus on cricket, especially in major series. He highlighted his playing days when there were fewer support staff.

“During our times there used to be one coach and one manager and that was the team. Now you have 17 officials alongside 17 players. I have heard they have booked 60 rooms in the hotel, it’s a joke, have you gone there to play cricket or on holiday? Why do you allow families in big series? it is understandable if it happens for smaller series, Begum jaan nahi chodti,” added Zaman.

After Pakistan's early exit, former cricketers demanded wholesale changes in the current team. Skipper Babar Azam is under scrutiny for allegedly favoring his 'friends' in team selection for the World Cup. Furthermore, his batting approach has been questioned during the matches in the T20 World Cup 2024.

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