Former cricketers react to Pakistan's whitewash against Bangladesh

Former cricketers have shared their assessments of Pakistan’s latest 2-0 defeat to Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. 

Pakistan were bowled out for 358 while chasing a daunting target of 437 despite a spirited resistance from Mohammad Rizwan on Wednesday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Rizwan struck a fighting 94 before falling prey to Taijul Islam. The victory marked Bangladesh’s first-ever home Test series whitewash over Pakistan and followed their landmark clean sweep against the same opposition during Pakistan’s tour in 2024.

Spinner Taijul Islam starred with the ball, claiming six wickets in the fourth innings to crush Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely chase.

Following the defeat, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram congratulated Bangladesh for their remarkable victory, praising their approach.

“Really disappointed to see Pakistan beaten for the second time by Bangladesh, but full praise and marks to the winners as they played complete cricket,” he wrote on X.

“Bangladesh used to have low, slow and big turners but now they preparing great test pitches, helping their fast-rising pace bowlers who outpaced Pakistan. Bangladesh are now ready to compete against the best in this format. And what a talent Nahid Rana is treat to watch. Congrats Bangladesh,” he added.

Former Test batter Azhar Ali highlighted the long process behind Bangladesh’s success while urging Pakistan to improve across all forms of the game.

“This success is not overnight, it’s the result of a long process and the work done behind the scenes in developing players, improving systems, and backing them consistently. Pakistan, meanwhile, need improvement in all departments batting, bowling, fielding, and especially match fitness,” he said.

Meanwhile, commentator Ramiz Raja praised Najmul Hossain Shanto’s captaincy and expressed concern about Pakistan’s old fault lines that were widening each day.

“Congratulations to Bangladesh for not only challenging Pakistan in this series but challenging themselves to break the status quo of defensive home grown spin strategy to win on lively pitches . Shanto stands out in this transformation. He is a very impressive leader.”

“For Pakistan old fault lines are getting wider and wider . Action is needed to break the status quo!!,” Ramiz highlighted.

All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez mentioned a visible decline in the last four ICC events with the longer format reflecting actual issues.

“Biggest stakeholder of the game after country name are players as they play inside the ground. Credit & responsibility wise. Last 4 ICC events results & Test format decline are real. Some serious issues are there to resolve by administration,” he said.

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