Pakistan‘s dismal performance at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked intense criticism from former players and experts. Prominent among the critics is ex-Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif, who bluntly called out the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and emphasized the need for education in cricket administration.

The 2009 champions were eliminated from the tournament in the group stage after finishing third in Group A. Their early exit came following a stunning loss to USA followed by a narrow defeat against India. This disappointing performance has prompted intense scrutiny of the team’s preparation, player selection, and overall management by the PCB.

Latif argued that although there were accusations of factions among the team, the PCB’s leadership is largely to be blamed.

“In the last two years, Pakistan’s cricket team has competed in back-to-back World Cups – one in Dubai in 2021 and another in Australia in 2022. The core of the team remained largely unchanged, with only 3 or 4 new players added this time around. However, the team’s overall attitude and dynamic appears to have shifted. Reflecting back, the players seemed more united during previous World Cup campaigns,” remarked Latif on his YouTube channel.

Latif stressed the importance of stability in the national team’s dressing room, which has been undermined by frequent shift in the PCB’s leadership and coaching positions.

“The atmosphere and dynamics in the dressing room are always the key deciding factors. Regrettably, a change in top management often leads to a change in the coaching staff as well. The dressing room environment should remain stable. While all the major cricket boards, particularly the Test-playing nations, have diligently prepared for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan appears to be the exception,” he added.

The former wicketkeeper strongly criticized the PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi emphasizing the significance of education in cricket administration.

“The education and background are crucial factors in determining the chairman and who is he talking to,” he concluded.