‘Always in chaos’: Hayden’s blunt verdict on Pakistan cricket amid latest turmoil

Pakistan cricket finds itself once more in a state of turmoil, according to former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden. The former batting coach and mentor for the team claims that the recurring instability within the organization makes it challenging for players to consistently perform at their best. This is the third Test loss in a row for Pakistan, following defeats to England, which has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to implement sweeping changes to the touring squad.

Hayden, who previously worked with the Pakistani team during their successful run to the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and their 2022 campaign, believes that Pakistan possesses the natural talent needed to compete with the best. However, he argues that the country's immense cricketing base is preventing the full realization of that potential.

Hayden asserts that "Pakistan is that like the West Indies, who I especially mention, because you've got 350 million people in one country that adore cricket and yet every opportunity, cricket doesn't allow cricket to get played."

The recent upheaval involved the dismissal of seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, and Muhammad Awais Zafar. Hayden emphasizes the importance of stability and trust in creating an environment where Pakistan's athletes can flourish. He notes that, in contrast to other leading teams, Pakistan has struggled to maintain consistency due to the chaotic environment surrounding the sport in the country.