AB de Villiers ridicules Pakistan players amid ongoing chaos | PC- AFP
As Pakistan Cricket is struggling at the moment during the ENG vs PAK tour, not only have the visitors lost both Test matches, but they are also struggling with off-field issues.
Coming off a massive 191-run defeat at Lord's, the Babar Azam-led side will look to finish the long tour on a high. That said, they have got a long gap between the second and third Test, which will kick off on September 9 at Edgbaston Stadium.
Meanwhile, ahead of the final Test of the ENG vs PAK series, former South African captain AB de Villiers has criticised the visiting side's performance under Babar Azam.
AB de Villiers ridicules Pakistan
While speaking about the state of Pakistan cricket, AB de Villiers questioned the players' hunger to fight and show gut at the biggest stage, asking them to put extra hard yards.
“I don't often currently see a lot of Pakistan players individually being prepared to put in those extra hard yards. Especially with the batting unit. Not enough, what's the word, guts. Fight. It doesn't always have to be pretty. Lots of soft wickets, and that's what it comes down to. It's a decision that you make,” AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
Also Read: Pakistan Player Razaullah's Search Operation Launched After Being Named for England Tests
Furthermore, the former South African great also ridiculed the management for making regular chopping and changing in their setup.
Recently, the PCB reinstated Babar Azam as Pakistan's Test captain just before their overseas tours of the West Indies and England.
"A bit of mismanagement from the top. Lots of chopping and changing. Lots of changes in leadership. Babar is back now. So hopefully he gets an extended run, stays fit, and starts scoring runs again like we all know he can. And for his fellow teammates to start following that lead,” AB de Villiers added.
Sudden axing of 7 players; alongside head coach, bowling coach
Pakistan were able to draw the two-match series against the West Indies, but the visitors had a rather disappointing story in England.
They started the first match without the services of Babar Azam, who got himself injured in the warm-up game. The visitors lost at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. Later, in the Lord's Test, they gave a tad better fight, but it was not convincing at all - Pakistan lost that game by 191 runs.
It led the PCB to make a bold call and send seven of their players, along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, back home.
Mike Hesson was called in to replace Sarfaraz, while seven undercooked men were called in for the Edgbaston Test.
Has demon of match-fixing returned to Pakistan cricket?
The defeat in the Lord's Test opened a can of worms in Pakistan Cricket. Imam-ul-Haq, who skipped batting in both innings due to a calf injury, has been the subject of media scrutiny. Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly been punished for ruining the dressing room culture.
Moreover, a theory is floating in local media that the Pakistan management confiscating its players’ mobile phones. Additionally, the PCB has stated that an internal disciplinary inquiry has been initiated following match-fixing reports.
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj Under Fire: Replacements Who Can Take His Place In Test Team
