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| Shahid Afridi and Ricky Ponting |
It all started after the retirement of the former captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq. Shoaib Malik was named the captain of the team after Inzamams retirement. His reign includes an ODI series win against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. A runner-up trophy in ICC World T20 answered some of the unresolved cricketing questions regarding the future of Pakistan team. Later, Pakistan greeted South Africa at home. South Africa has been the best test side in the world, and Pakistan lost a 2 match test series 1-0. The ODI series was exciting and both the teams crafted a good show. It was 2-2 going into the 5th ODI. Shoaib Akhtar coming back from the ban, ended up with the excellent figures of 4/43, and restricted South Africa to a modest total of 233. Pakistan, in chase of a meagre target started off quite well. The team needed to score 25 runs in 40 balls with 5 wickets in hand. However, the team couldn’t perform up to the mark, making certain shots that were questionable. It was not soon that the players seemed relentless to remove Shoaib Malik from the captaincy.
Cricket Board named Younis Khan, the next captain. It seemed as if things were settled, but a hurricane could be sensed. Younis led the side well. A smart captain with a brilliant brain, was tactically well-equipped to lead the side. Younis certainly looked the ultimate solution for the troubled team. He started well in the test series against Sri Lanka, scoring a triple hundred. Younis led the side to their first World T20 title. Pakistan, once again started to look like a giant force, gain back its vigour and gleam.
The victorious Pakistan went to Sri Lanka on a high. But alas! Players again started lobbying against Younis Khan. They again, never wanted to play under their aggressive captain. Many senior cricketers started to cook conspiracy against the Younis Khan. The adversaries played their tolls and Pakistan was hammered by Sri Lanka in the test series 2-0. Pakistan lost both the test matches that could have been won easily. Once again, some of the rough shots played were to be questioned.
Senior team players, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik and some others took oath on Quran that they will be united against Younis Khan. Finally, they had their wish granted. The victorious, world T20 captain resigned from the job, refusing to tour down under.
Mohammad Yousuf, the senior pro was given this tedious job in New Zealand. Pakistan again lost from the position of strength. Chasing down a modest total of 251 runs, Pakistan was able to score 5/195, but then again they lost 5 wickets for 24 runs.
New Zealand tour then followed a disastrous Australian tour, where Pakistan lost every single game they played. Sydney test still is considered the biggest nightmare in the history of Pakistan cricket. Pakistan snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Kamran Akmal dropped five sitters and missed the simplest run-out.
An inquiry committee looked into the matter, and Captain Mohammad Yousuf was handed an indefinite ban. However, the players who pleaded guilty are still playing. Shahid Afridi was handed over the captaincy duties in all formats, despite of concerns about his test comeback. He stared nicely and took his team to World T20 semi- finals, however, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Asia cup finals.
Recently, Pakistan was to take on Australia in England. They posted a whitewash in T20 matches against Australia. It was a good start. Shahid Afridi then announced his retirement from test cricket after a thumping loss to Australia at Lord’s.Salman Butt, the vice captain on that tour was handed over the captaincy. A 15-year-old jinx was ended at Leeds with Pakistan finally beating Australia. Afterwards, a victory at the Oval against England after two dismal performances was pleasing.
Spot-fixing allegations chased Pakistan’s three top cricketers at the centre of Lord’s. Salman Butt, the captain alongside his fellow members Asif and Amir were suspended from further cricket.
Now Shahid Afridi is hinting a Test comeback in a series against South Africa. It is to be kept in mind by the Pakistan cricket officials that the frequent switching of captains is having adverse affects on the team’s unity and its performance. It is yet to be seen who takes over the crown of Pakistan cricket team.
