Sethi blames fans, media pressure for team's dismal performance

LAHORE: Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) Executive Committee, Najam Sethi on Sunday said that excessive criticism hurled at players and team management by the media and general public has caused the dismal display in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

Speaking to media representatives at Lahore Literature Festival, he urged the cricket fans not to have high expectations of extra-ordinary performances from the team citing unavailability of key fast and spin bowlers in the World Cup squad.

Urging the media and general public to curb their criticism, Sethi said, “We should remember this is the same team that won the T-20 world championship”.




Following a humiliating sixth consecutive World Cup defeat against arch-rivals India in their opening game, Pakistan suffered a massive 150-run rout against out-of-form West Indies on Saturday.

Besides bans on suspected bowling actions and injury issues, the team is also suffering due to management issues like senior players’ reported spat with fielding coach Grant Luden and imposition of penalty and fines for arriving late at the hotel.

Experts have already warned the team against taking minnows, Ireland and Zimbabwe, lightly as one more upset following famous Irish victory over WIndies would leave the Pool B wide open.