"This Should Change.."- Shadab Khan Pins The Blame After Pakistan's Horrific World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has taken responsibility for his poor performance at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Men in Green failed to qualify for the semi-finals for the third consecutive time in World Cups after finishing in fifth position in the league stage of the tournament held in India.

Skipper Babar Azam and company came into the tournament as one of the hot favorites for the top four. However, a four-match losing streak midway through the World Cup derailed them from their ambitions, with the Men In Green only managing to secure four wins out of nine.

One of the main reasons behind Pakistan’s poor show was the spinners’ supreme lack of contribution. With the tournament taking place in Indian conditions which usually helps the spinners, there were a lot of expectations from the likes of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. However, the duo did not crack when it mattered, with Usama Mir also struggling to make a lasting impression. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz combined could only manage 4 wickets in the tournament

Shadab Khan Is Disappointed With Himself

Regarding his own poor form during the World Cup, Shadab said, “I have let myself down, I didn’t live up to my potential as a bowler which has impacted the team’s performance. You always try to win a tournament, but this could not happen. We are out of the semifinals. Coaches, players, support staff everyone is disappointed.”

“Whenever a tournament starts, we have to improve in all three departments. As a team, we failed to adapt to modern-day cricket,” he added.

Shadab was dropped from the playing XI against Australia and then, he also sustained a concussion injury midway through the campaign. He could only manage to take two wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 6.23.

The shockwave in the aftermath of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will be on skipper Babar Azam from Pakistan’s perspective. Babar’s leadership and decision-making were criticized by cricket fans and pundits leading to the point where Pakistan can have a new captain, especially in the white-ball format.

Shadab opined that Babar Azam facing the entire blame for Pakistan’s failure is completely unfair. He said, “This represents a cultural difference. When we emerge victorious, it is attributed solely to the captain’s triumph. But in times of defeat, the responsibility for the loss falls squarely on the captain’s shoulders. This should change.”

Pakistan will have to get back up after a disappointing end to the World Cup. The Men In Green will now gear up to tour Australia for a test series and they will be looking to get back on track with this series.