Shahnawaz Dahani Reaches Sri Lanka Only To Travel Back To Pakistan, Rashid Latif Slams PCB For Horrendous Treatment

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has continued to criticize the authorities for the unjust travel conditions faced by the Pakistan team during the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the continental championship on Thursday (September 14) after suffering a narrow 2-wicket defeat (DLS method) against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Men in Green began their campaign with a thumping 238-run win over Nepal in the tournament opener.

Their next game against India was washed out but before that, Pakistan did well with the ball and bowled out India for 266. In the Super 4, Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh by 7 wickets. However, they could not sustain the winning momentum in the next two games. They suffered a humiliating 228-run defeat at the hands of India.

Chasing an improbable 357 runs for a place in the final, Pakistan were all out for just 128 to suffer their heaviest defeat against India in terms of runs. In the do-or-die match against Sri Lanka, Babar Azam & Co. did well to score 252 for 7 in 42 overs after a poor start but failed to defend the total. The loss dumped Pakistan out of the Asia Cup.

Rashid Latif defends Pakistan players:

With Pakistan crashing out of the continental championship after two losses, they are facing criticism from several quarters for their poor performances. Several former cricketers from Pakistan have openly slammed the team for not showing any fighting spirit. But while several sections of fans and ex-cricketers have criticized the players, Rashid Latif has defended them.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former cricketer pointed out the grueling travel schedule faced by the players throughout the competition. Pakistan had no option but to travel back and forth from Pakistan to Sri Lanka due to the schedule. Pakistan played their first game in Multan before flying to Sri Lanka to face India in Pallekele.

The Pakistan players had to then return to Lahore for the Super 4 game against Bangladesh before they returned to Sri Lanka again for their last two Super 4 games. Earlier this week, Rashid Latif raised concerns over the same by posting the schedule of Pakistan’s grueling travel schedule during the Asia Cup.

On Thursday (September 14), he revealed Shahnawaz Dahani’s traveling schedule to take a dig at the authorities. Dahani was not a part of the Pakistan squad but was later added as an injury replacement. And the fast bowler could only manage to link up with the team just a few hours before the game against Sri Lanka. Revealing Dahani’s traveling schedule, Rashid Latif took a dig at the authorities by saying that players are not ATM machines.

Shahnawaz Dahani travelling plan
Islamabad x Karachi
Karachi x Lahore one night stay at NCA
Change his flight again
Lahore x Karachi
Karachi x Dubai tonight
Dubai x Colombo tomorrow
Arrive tomorrow night
If Pakistan didn’t qualify than return
? on Next Flight ..…

— Rashid Latif | ?? (@iRashidLatif68) September 13, 2023