ANOTHER Twenty20 World Cup, another ignominious exit — although this time Pakistan did advance past the first stage. However, even in doing so, they failed to register a victory against world cricket’s major nations until their final match of the second group stage against Sri Lanka. A five-run victory, though, was not enough to take Pakistan into the semi-finals as they finished third, trailing second-placed New Zealand on net run-rate. Pakistan might rue the fact that their fixture against New Zealand was washed out but the fact is that what they did was simply not enough. They were outplayed by England and then just about won against Sri Lanka. Having posted 212-8 thanks to an opening blitz by Sahibzada Farhan, who hit his second century at the event, and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan needed to restrict Sri Lanka at 147 to overtake New Zealand on net run rate. It was not to be, and two years after their humiliating first-round exit in the World Cup in the US, Pakistan are reflecting on another poor return.

In the immediate aftermath, skipper Salman Ali Agha refused to step down, saying it would be an “emotional decision”. He took the blame for Pakistan’s exit alongside coach Mike Hesson. But the question is whether that admission is enough. Pakistan have once again been out of their depth at a World Cup. Apart from Sahibzada, who broke the record for most runs at a World T20, there were no bright lights. Senior players such as veteran batter Babar Azam and spin-bowling all-rounders Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz failed to fire. Pakistan showed no real consistency, which reflected in its decision-making too. The bigger question is whether Pakistan are suited to the format. Once the most dangerous T20 side in the world, they have been reduced to also-rans. That is what the Pakistan Cricket Board needs to repair if it is to restore the national team to its former standing in the world game.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026