[World Cup 2023] Mohammad Kaif Slams Shaheen Shah Afridi And Haris Rauf For Pakistan's Failures

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been an event filled with ups and downs, unexpected twists, and thrilling moments. For cricket fans around the globe, it’s a time of excitement and anticipation, as they cheer for their favorite teams. However, for the Pakistan national cricket team, this World Cup has been nothing short of disappointing. With just four wins out of nine matches and an early exit from the tournament, Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 can only be described as underwhelming.

Pakistan’s journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 came to a premature end when they were knocked out in the group stages. This outcome left fans back in Pakistan disheartened and frustrated, as they had expected better results from their team. The disappointment and frustration were further fueled by the fact that Pakistan had a talented group of players and a rich cricketing history to draw inspiration from.

Following Pakistan’s early exit, there have been increasing calls for massive changes within the team setup. Fans and cricket pundits alike have voiced their concerns about the team’s performance and have called for a thorough review of the current state of Pakistani cricket. In particular, there have been growing demands for the removal of Babar Azam as the team captain.

One of the most significant disappointments of Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been the underperformance of their premier fast bowlers. Shaheen Shah Afridi, known for his ability to pick up early wickets, has struggled to make an impact in this World Cup. He has not only failed to take crucial early wickets but has also been relatively expensive in terms of conceding runs.

[World Cup 2023] Mohammad Kaif Slams Shaheen Shah Afridi And Haris Rauf For Pakistan’s Failures

Haris Rauf, on the other hand, has had an even tougher time. The young fast bowler has been hammered for over 500 runs during the course of the tournament. This poor performance from two of Pakistan’s most promising fast bowlers has been a significant setback for the team’s chances.

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif shared his views on Pakistan’s performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, stating, “Somehow feel this Pakistan team was too soft, their pacers too nice. Wasim, Waqar, and Shoaib were intimidating. They would stare at you, even sledge. Babar, Shaheen, Rauf – they lacked that aura, they looked too friendly.”

In the past, Pakistan has been known for its aggressive and intimidating fast bowlers who could strike fear into the hearts of opposing batsmen. The likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar possessed an aura that made them formidable opponents. However, in this World Cup, Pakistan’s fast bowlers have failed to replicate that fear factor.

As Pakistan reflects on their performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, it is evident that significant improvements are needed in various aspects of the game. While criticism is part and parcel of competitive sports, it is crucial for the team management, players, and cricketing authorities to take these assessments constructively and work towards building a stronger and more competitive side for the future.

Pakistan has a rich cricketing history, and the nation has produced some of the finest cricketing talents over the years. It is essential to harness this talent and develop a team that can consistently perform at the highest level.

Somehow feel this Pakistan team was too soft, their pacers too nice. Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib were intimidating. They would stare at you, even sledge. Babar, Shaheen, Rauf – they lacked that aura, they looked too friendly. #CWC2023
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 13, 2023