Former New Zealand wicketkeeper batter and renowned commentator Ian Smith highlighted lack of earning opportunities for the players and inconsistency in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as key factors behind the recent slump of Pakistan cricket.
The green shirts, after securing historic away ODI series victories over Australia and South Africa in November and December last year, are going through a contrasting period which saw them crashing out of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 without securing a single victory.
After the Champions Trophy heartbreak, Pakistan embarked on a white-ball tour to New Zealand, comprised of the ongoing five-match T20I series with three ODIs to follow and brought in several young talents.
The idea of fielding a young side, however, did not change their fortunes as they are trailing New Zealand 2-0 after the first two matches and must beat them in the upcoming fixture to keep the series alive.
Their recent below-par performances drew severe criticism from cricket pundits including former cricketers.
Meanwhile, Smith, who represented New Zealand in 63 Tests and 98 ODIs, wrote an article on the ongoing woes of the Pakistan men’s cricket team
