Pakistan fan moves court after Old Trafford disaster; seeks ban on national side & selectors

The thumping loss that Pakistan tasted at the hands of Team India at Old Trafford in ICC World Cup on Sunday has left too many hearts bleeding. Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side had a horrendous day at the office against the arch-rivals who beat them by 89 runs in a rain-affected game. The defeat has also left the former world champions precariously placed in the fray and another loss in the remaining four games could jolly well bid them a farewell. Meanwhile, the fans are yet to come to terms with the loss that Pakistan experienced in Manchester.

One fan of the Pakistan side is so dejected that he has filed a petition at Gujranwala Civil Court in Punjab province against the national side, seeking a ban on all the members of the squad as well as the selection committee. Pakistan have now lost 13 of their last 16 games while they could manage to win one which was against hosts England in the World Cup. According to a number of frustrated former cricketers, it could be a fluke.

Key PCB meeting on Wednesday

According to a report in Pakistan’s Samaa news channel, the petitioner sought a ban on the cricket team and the selection body led by former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. In its response, the court has summoned officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB’s governing board, meanwhile, is set to meet on Wednesday for a meeting where heads are likely to roll after Pakistan’s ordinary performance. As per a report on Geo News, several members including coach Mickey Arthur and chief selector Inzamam could be replaced.

Pakistan started the World Cup with a poor show against the West Indies losing the game by 7 wickets after scoring a meagre 105. They came back strongly in the next game against hosts England to win by 14 runs but since then, they have lost two of their next three games while one was washed out.

With just three points from five games, Pakistan need to beat South Africa in their next match to stay afloat in the tournament although the Proteas, who are also in a similar plight, will not let it go easily.