Is this the benefit of an 'independent' cricket team?

The recent Test loss of Pakistan to Bangladesh has left former cricketers in disbelief, prompting even quarantined Imran Khan to voice his concerns. On X (formerly Twitter), Khan expressed frustration with the state of Pakistani cricket, suggesting that the game has been undermined by political interference. He lamented that "the people of the country watch the game of cricket with deep attention in front of the TV," but lamented that this beloved sport has been compromised by powerful circles who have appointed incompetent officials to maintain control.

In contrast, politics seems to have played a less disruptive role in Bangladesh's recent cricketing success. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government due to a student uprising, there was a significant shake-up in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The new board chief, unlike his predecessor Nazmul Hasan Papon, has largely refrained from delving into the technical aspects of the game. Papon had been known for his involvement in decisions regarding team selection, batting orders, and bowling strategies, which often led to criticism of undue interference in cricketing matters.

The departure of Papon has allowed the coaching staff of the Bangladesh team to regain their independence. Although it is difficult to measure the extent of this independence's impact, it appears to have played a role in Bangladesh's improved performance in the Test series against Pakistan. Factors such as variations in the team's pace bowling and thorough preparation both at home and abroad may have contributed to their success. Additionally, issues surrounding key player Shakib Al Hasan may have served as a motivating factor, encouraging the team to elevate their performance.

Senior sports journalist Pavitra Kundu has observed that the Shakib Al Hasan issue has been a significant factor in driving the Bangladesh cricket team toward success. He noted that a false case against Shakib and a lawyer's notice demanding his return to the country for trial were part of a broader effort to undermine him psychologically. Despite these pressures, Shakib's resilience and performance on the field have had a positive impact on his teammates, fostering a spirit of solidarity and determination within the squad.

Regarding the recent Test loss of Pakistan to Bangladesh, it's worth examining the broader context. Since August 2020, Pakistan's performance in Test cricket has been characterized by inconsistency. During this period, the team won 10 out of 28 Tests, lost 12, and drew 6. This patchy record includes notable highs and lows, such as being whitewashed in three-Test series against Australia and England, and securing a 2-0 victory in a two-Test series against South Africa.

Given this track record, the loss to Bangladesh should be seen as part of the team's ongoing fluctuations rather than a catastrophic failure. The ups and downs in Pakistan's Test cricket journey over the recent past suggest that while the loss is disappointing, it is not unprecedented or indicative of a broader collapse.

While discussing Pakistan's recent Test loss to Bangladesh, it's essential to recognize and celebrate Bangladesh's accomplishments rather than merely highlighting Pakistan's struggles. The recently concluded series showcased Bangladesh's prowess across all facets of Test cricket.

As senior sports journalist Pavitra Kundu pointed out, Bangladesh's success was no accident. The team’s preparation for the Test series was meticulous and well-organized. They conducted a training camp in Sylhet and Chittagong, and played a preparatory match in Chittagong. Additionally, the team sent a hyper-performance unit on a tour of Australia for first-class matches, where players like Sadman Islam regained their confidence with notable performances. Under the guidance of coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, who has been particularly attentive and motivating, the team has benefited from a supportive and encouraging environment.

The shift in the Bangladesh Cricket Board's leadership may have impacted the team's morale positively. The team was highly motivated to improve their historical record against Pakistan, having been winless in 13 Tests against them before this series. Captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto and his teammates were determined to change this statistic, which they achieved with notable success.

In contrast, Pakistan's preparation for the series was less robust. The team’s recent struggles in the ODI and T20 World Cups had left their confidence shaken. Additionally, frequent changes in the coaching staff, selectors, and ongoing criticism of captain Babar Azam have contributed to a lack of stability and motivation within the squad. These factors have undoubtedly impacted their performance, highlighting a need for greater consistency and a more supportive environment to foster success.

In summary, while Pakistan’s issues are significant, they should not overshadow the impressive achievements of the Bangladesh team, which demonstrated strong preparation, unity, and resilience throughout the series.

Pakistan teams, rich in great batsmen and bowlers, have not seen much of a cohesive unit in the recent past. The reflection of which has been seen in the recent past in various series at home and abroad. In 2020, Pakistan lost the three-Test series in England by 1-0. In the 2020-21 season, the tour of New Zealand lost the two-match series by a margin of 2-0. The hosts won the two-match series 2-0 in South Africa's tour of Pakistan in the same season. Pakistan also won the two-match series against Zimbabwe in 2021 by the same margin. The two-match series was tied 1-1 in the West Indies tour. In the 2021-22 season, the visitors won the two-match series in Bangladesh by 2-0. The visiting team won the three-match series 1-0 in the Australian team's tour of Pakistan in the same season. In 2022, Pakistan came to Sri Lanka with a 1-1 draw in the two-match series. In the 2022-23 season, Pakistan was whitewashed by England in a three-match series at home. Later, the two-match series ended in a 0-0 draw when the New Zealand team toured Pakistan. In 2023, Pakistan won the two-match series by 2-0 on the tour of Sri Lanka. Pakistan's tour of Australia in the 2023–24 season was a disappointment - the visitors were whitewashed in the three-match series.

If you think that Bangladesh did not win, Pakistan lost after looking at the statistics of the opponent, it will not be realistic. Bangladesh's skill was evident in various aspects of the two Test series. Veteran sports journalist Arifur Rahman Babu was saying the same thing, 'No doubt, Bangladesh has played very good cricket. Bowling, especially the pace bowling department has become more refined than ever before. Pacers have learned how to take wickets in Tests. Taskin, Hasan Mahmood and Nahid Rana - the pace of the three pacers. They averaged 140 km. There are also crafts. All of them have learned and know that in order to test the patience of batsmen in Tests, most of the time they have to bowl on certain lines and lengths. When to tuck in, when to swing out - everything. The pacers have done that in the two Tests against Pakistan. In the second innings of the second test, three pacers shared 10 wickets.

In the recently concluded Test series, the standout performances of two Bangladeshi spinners, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz, exemplified the effectiveness of precise line and length over long spells. Their skillful bowling played a crucial role in Bangladesh's success. Alongside them, batsmen such as Mushfiqur Rahim, Muminul Haque, Liton Das, and Miraz himself contributed significantly with the bat, showcasing their strength and resilience.

The key factor in Bangladesh's triumph was their ability to function as a cohesive unit, a quality that has been rare in the past. This team spirit was evident in both their batting and bowling performances throughout the series.

Analyzing the series statistics highlights Bangladesh's dominance. Among the top wicket-takers, Mehedi Hasan Miraz led with 10 wickets, followed closely by Khurram Shahzad of Pakistan, who took 9 wickets. Other notable wicket-takers included Hasan Mahmud with 8 wickets, Nahid Rana with 6, Shakib Al Hasan with 5, and Taskin Ahmed with 4. This array of successful bowlers underscores Bangladesh's strength in both spin and pace departments.

In terms of batting, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan emerged as the top run-scorer with 294 runs. However, Bangladesh's top batsmen also made significant contributions: Mushfiqur Rahim scored 216 runs, while Liton Das accumulated 194 runs. These performances were instrumental in establishing Bangladesh's competitive edge throughout the series.

Overall, the series statistics and individual performances clearly illustrate Bangladesh's well-rounded strength and their ability to work together effectively, ultimately leading to their success against Pakistan.

Arifur Rahman Babu, a seasoned sports journalist with experience since the 1990s, suggests that Bangladesh's recent dominance in both batting and bowling has been, in part, facilitated by Pakistan's current struggles in cricket. According to Babu, Pakistan's recent woes created an opportunity for Bangladesh to capitalize on the situation and showcase their skills effectively.

In the context of the series, Pakistan's challenges—including inconsistent performances and internal issues—allowed Bangladesh to gain an upper hand. This scenario provided Bangladesh with a favorable environment to play their best cricket and deliver standout performances in both disciplines.

Mahbub Sarkar: Sports journalist and analyst.