Former cricketer says Pakistan not at same level as India, Australia

Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Bazid Khan has said that Pakistan is no longer on the same level as top cricketing nations like Australia and India. His comments came after Pakistan's disappointing 4-1 T20I series loss against New Zealand.  

Speaking on local channel, Bazid questioned the belief that Pakistan is among the top teams just because they have won three ICC tournaments. He pointed out that ICC events now take place every year, yet Pakistan has failed to win a title since their Champions Trophy victory in 2017.  

“Reality is that we feel entitled that we should win World Cups. How many World Cups have been held and how much did you win?” he asked.  

“You are not on Australia’s level, not on India’s level because you won three ICC tournaments in total and recently there is an ICC tournament every year.  

“So, our entitlement is still that ‘We won World Cups and ICC tournaments so our team is on the top level,’ but unfortunately, it is not.”  

Bazid also spoke about the struggles of star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi in the recent T20I series against New Zealand. Afridi managed only two wickets in five matches at a high average of 66.50.  

He admitted that Shaheen’s performance has declined but pointed out that Pakistan does not have a strong backup option.  

“If Shaheen Shah Afridi is not then who else do we have? There is no new bowler emerging from Tests or ODIs,” he said.  

“Player development has completely stalled, while other teams have progressed. Our team is nowhere near the level of Australia and India.  

“The situation has worsened to the point that we are now comparing ourselves with New Zealand, whereas we once considered them a team well behind us.”