Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has voiced serious apprehensions about Pakistan’s prospects in the upcoming T20I World Cup, suggesting that the hosts, the United States, could potentially defeat the Men In Green in their opening World Cup match.
Raja remarked, “I’m concerned that Pakistan might even lose to the USA in the T20 World Cup. The USA team could be a surprise package for us,” acknowledging the rising strength of emerging cricketing nations. He acknowledged that Pakistan’s current playing style leaves them vulnerable to any team, due to a lack of cohesion that could lead them to victory.
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Pakistan recently faced a setback against Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series in Dublin, losing by 5 wickets. However, they bounced back in the second T20I to level the series at 1-1, propelled by a massive partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman that helped them chase down a target of 194 runs within 17 overs.
The USA cricket team has made notable progress in recent years, benefitting from investments in infrastructure and talent development. Led by captain Monank Patel, the American squad has secured qualification for the T20 World Cup for the first time.
Ramiz Raja’s comments underscore the unpredictable nature of Babar Azam’s team in the shortest format of the game, reflecting concerns about their consistency. Pakistan will play their final T20 against Ireland tomorrow, followed by a four-match T20 series in late May, just before their encounter with the USA on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.
