Kevin Pietersen shares insights on Pakistan players' intense net sessions in PSL and offers advice to PCB to break losing streak

Pakistan's performance in major ICC tournaments has been disappointing, adding to the turmoil surrounding the team. They were unable to reach the semi-finals of both the ODI and T20 World Cups last year, a disheartening result for a nation with a strong cricketing history. Additionally, their Test form has been in decline, with Pakistan failing to secure a home Test victory since February 2022.

This has left the team winless in 11 consecutive home Test matches, a record that raises serious questions about their approach and execution in the longest format.

Following Pakistan’s recent defeat to Bangladesh and their crushing loss in Multan, former head coach Mickey Arthur voiced his concerns about the team's downward trajectory. Sharing his views on social media platform X, Arthur highlighted the internal issues as a potential cause of the team’s underwhelming performances.

Kevin Pietersen, the former England batter, who played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for three seasons with Quetta Gladiators, echoed Arthur's sentiments. According to the former England star, Pakistan possesses an abundance of raw talent but lacks the off-field structure required to harness it effectively.

“From my time playing the PSL, the players don’t train properly and there’s way too much emotion involved in the win or loss. No consistency off the field, so how do you expect it on the field? And I agree, the talent is UNREAL!” wrote Pietersen.

Pietersen observed that the team's training methods were inadequate, with players often overworking their bodies without focusing on specifics.

“When I was with Quetta, the players trained too much, instead of training specifics. It’s good to look like you’re putting in long hours, but actually, you’re just tiring your body out. Bowlers would bowl everyday for hours - madness,” wrote the England great further.

Pakistan will be aiming to reverse their fortunes when they meet England in the second Test of the series. Reports have suggested that one of the side's most prolific batters, Babar Azam. has been dropped from the squad for the second Test owing to poor form over the past year in the longest format.