Ahmed Shehzad urges Pakistan team to watch 'Lagaan' for motivation after historic defeat to England

Opening batter Ahmed Shehzad has called on Pakistan's cricket team to draw inspiration from the Bollywood classic Lagaan following their crushing defeat against England in the first Multan Test. Pakistan's captain Shan Masood, who suffered his sixth consecutive Test loss since taking charge late last year, has been at the helm of a string of record-breaking losses for the team.

After enduring a humiliating series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh earlier, Pakistan’s wounds were further deepened by a punishing innings and 47-run loss to England. The match saw Pakistan become the first team in Test history to lose after posting a first-innings total of over 550 runs.

Reacting to the defeat, Shehzad, who has been out of favor with the selectors, took to his YouTube channel to critique the team's performance. He highlighted their lack of motivation and suggested they watch Lagaan, a film where a group of Indian villagers triumph over an English team in a game of cricket to avoid paying taxes.

"For motivation I suggest Pakistan team should watch Lagaan movie. The issue is that in the movie they had to pay it from their pockets. But you don't have to do this, Pakistan Cricket Board has to do it," Shehzad said on his YouTube channel.

He further criticized the team's lack of intensity, calling for changes in the lineup and the inclusion of young talents like Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali.

"It was such a bad, scared performance from the Pakistan team. Attitude was not visible. You have been exposed. Changes need to be made. You have to give opportunity to the youngsters, players like Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali," he said.

Pakistan, who haven’t won a Test match at home since February 2022, will face England again in the second match of the series on Tuesday in Multan.