What Pakistan Must Do To Stop Being Unpredictable

During the ongoing ICC cricket world cup Pakistan cricket team has once again lived up to its reputation of being the most unpredictable cricket team. They lost against a weak West Indies side; almost lost a key fixture against new comers Afghanistan and yet they were the first ones to topple pre-tournament favorites England as well as the inform unbeaten Kiwi side. So, here is a look at what Pakistan must do to stop being unpredictable and a little more consistent at the international level.

Read: Takeaways From Pakistan’s Nearly Perfect Weekend During The World Cup

Change The Mindset

Sadly, we are a nation that remains complacent and only unites to show resilience whenever there is a crisis situation. Our cricket team then is no different. Hence, this mindset needs to go. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) then must hire a sports psychologist on permanent basis. Still, more importantly though there is a need to introduce performance based incentives and fines. Nobody likes losing money. Therefore, sadly perhaps, this is the only way to keep the boys in green motivated on a consistent basis and on their toes during every game that they play.

Read: Results That Pakistan Requires From The Weekend Games To Ensure A Semi-Final Birth

Raise Fitness Standards And Change Eating Habits

Experts on more than one occasion have explained how the traditional foods of the sub-continent play a major role in diminishing fitness levels at the domestic level. Hence, while restructuring the domestic cricket structure PCB needs to ensure that the culture of serving biryanis and chicken karais during lunch breaks comes to an end. This will help budding cricketers in the country to know the value of maintaining a healthy diet.

Moreover, at the international level the system in place to hold cricketers accountable for maintaining fitness should be implemented with less flexibility than it is being right now.

Read: This Video Of A New Zealand Fan Chanting Pakistan Zindabad Is A Proof Of How Cricket Brings People Closer!

Time To Resort To Strict Disciplinary Measures

Late night gatherings during international tours, grouping and rebelling against skippers is nothing new in Pakistan cricket. Hence, it is about time that the unwanted tradition is brought to an end and that trouble makers with in the team are discarded for good the same way Kevin Pietersen was by England. Without setting a solid example, PCB will never be able to eliminate dressing room politics.

Read: Possible Scenarios That Will Help Pakistan To Qualify For The Semi-Final Stage

Prepare Public To Accept A Bad Season Or Two

The aforesaid measures are likely to help Pakistan become more consistent in the long run however, they might temporarily hamper the progress of the national side in the short run. Thus, it is imperative that when and if PCB decides to introduce such a plan; they prepare the media and fans in the country in a way that both are able to bear the short term loss while appreciating the long run benefits of such measures.