Pakistan’s struggles are beginning to show beyond the scorecard, with former captain Ramiz Raja warning that the team’s poor performances are costing them something even more valuable, the support of their fans.Pakistan were thrashed by England by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test at Headingley, with their batting collapsing for 171 and 135. England’s bowlers, led by Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, claimed eight wickets apiece as the hosts wrapped up the contest inside three days.
‘They’ve already lost a lot of fans’
Speaking on a cricket podcast with former England captains Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan, Ramiz said Pakistan’s repeated setbacks were contributing to a growing disconnect with supporters.“Social media is after them. They’ve already lost a lot of fans. So it’s become a norm when you lose a Test match, it’s become another loss and it means another lot of fans withdrawing from cricket,” Ramiz said.The former Pakistan skipper, who also served as PCB chairman, stressed that rebuilding and retaining the fan base should be a priority.“I think Pakistan needs to give supporters reasons to stay behind them. I have always believed that when you start losing fans and supporters, the first pillar probably has fallen. To become a great side you need to have fans behind you and it is vice-versa,” he added.Pakistan now have little time to regroup. The second Test begins at Lord’s on Thursday, with England holding a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Babar return offers Pakistan hope
The biggest positive heading into the second Test is the likely return of Babar Azam. The Pakistan captain missed the Headingley opener with a finger injury, but he has resumed full batting practice and faced both fast bowlers and spinners in the nets at Lord’s.For England, the challenge will be to maintain the intensity that produced such a dominant opening performance. Joe Root began his second stint as Test captain with an emphatic win, while the pace attack exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability against quality seam bowling.The Lord’s Test, starting on August 27, therefore presents Pakistan with an immediate chance to respond. A victory would level the series and restore some belief; another defeat would give England an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston from September 9.