I remember supporting Pakistan in the late 1990s and early 2000s whenever they played against a country other than India. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis made their pace attack something special. Then there was Shahid Afridi, whose leg-spin and aggressive batting brought their own excitement.

Looking at the Pakistan team now, I wish they could command that same admiration from cricket lovers. There are talented players, but the team seems to struggle with coordination, energy, and a clear sense of direction. The management inspires little confidence either. Too often, responsibility appears to lie with someone else.

Their performance against Afghanistan in the 2023 ICC World Cup was particularly disappointing. They never seemed in control. They looked tired and lacked urgency. At times, it felt as though they were waiting for the match to end so they could be put out of their misery.

Comments from Wasim Akram and Misbah-ul-Haq about the absence of regular fitness testing made that performance even more concerning. If basic preparation is being neglected, individual talent can only take a team so far.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf give them genuine pace-bowling talent. But a few good players cannot compensate for a team that struggles to function as a unit. They might win individual games, but sustained success requires preparation, coordination, and accountability.

Pakistan cricket gave us so many reasons to watch with excitement. I hope they find their way back soon.