Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has voiced his surprise over Pakistan’s unexpected defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test at Rawalpindi. On social media, Pietersen expressed his concerns about the decline in Pakistan cricket standards, contrasting it with the high quality he experienced during the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Pietersen tweeted, “What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic. What’s happening there?”
What happened to cricket in Pakistan? When I played the PSL, the standard of that league was tremendous, the players had a very good work ethic and the youngsters on display were magic.
What’s happening there?
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) August 26, 2024
The defeat, marking Pakistan’s first-ever Test loss to Bangladesh, has led to significant criticism and reflection within the cricket community. The Rawalpindi Test, which had a delayed start due to a wet outfield, saw Pakistan score 448/6 before Bangladesh, led by Mushfiqur Rahim’s 191 and Shadnam Islam’s 93, mounted a strong reply. On Day 5, Pakistan collapsed to 146 all out, with Bangladesh reaching their target of 30 runs in under seven overs to win by ten wickets.
The second Test between the two teams will begin in Rawalpindi on Friday, with Bangladesh leading the series 1-0.
