World Cup 2015: Pakistan and their troubles at World Cups since 1992

At every World Cup since then, Pakistan has had troubles within the squad or on their periphery.

In the 1996 World Cup, just before the quarter-final against India, regular captain Wasim Akram pulled out because of an injury. Pakistan lost under Aamir Sohail, the critics took over and Akram’s pull-out was alleged to have been part of a fixing trap set by India. This allegation was made by among others, the enfant terrible of Pakistan cricket, Sarfraz Nawaz. Akram’s and a few other Pakistan players’ homes were also stoned by angry supporters.

Just a fortnight before the 1999 World Cup, then coach Javed Miandad quit his role citing family reasons. But it was obvious that there was more to it than what met the eye. Another former captain Mushtaq Mohammed took over, but did not take up the role after the World Cup. During the tournament itself, allegations of fixing was flung across. In particular, Pakistan’s surprise loss to Bangladesh by 62 runs came under the scanner. Former Cricket South Africa (CSA) boss Ali Bacher later alleged that the match was fixed. The loss did not hamper Pakistan’s progress in the tournament, but brought Bangladesh recognition and a year later helped them gain Test status. Even Pakistan’s loss in the final to Australia brought forth allegations of wrong doing, from who else but Nawaz.

Then in 2003, Pakistan entered the tournament with their strongest possible squad. But the side was disjointed as former captain Akram was sidelined from a leadership role. As a result, captain Waqar Younis faced a tough time in forging unity. But there were problems galore. First wicket-keeper Rashid Latif was accused of racially insulting Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, but was cleared of the charge. Then in full public view at team training while playing a football match, Inzamam-ul-Haq engaged in a physical brawl with Younis Khan. Not surprisingly the Pakistan team was knocked out very soon and almost the entire squad was shown the door.

In 2007, Pakistan lost to West Indies and in a surprise reversal of fortunes to Ireland too. To compound matters, coach Bob Woolmer was found dead in his room, a day after the Ireland loss. Needle of suspicion was pointed towards the entire Pakistan squad and even allegations of match-fixing was raised. Pakistan was knocked out early from the tournament and the stain of the death of Woolmer never left the squad.

Then in 2011 then captain Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis often clashed over control of the team. Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar fell out of favour with the team management following his performance in the league match against New Zealand. Akhtar was then left out of the line-up for the semi-final against arch-rival India. Pakistan lost and Akhtar later lashed out at the team management after his retirement.

“Waqar was neither a good captain nor a good coach,” the outspoken Akhtar said on Geo Super channel. “When I learnt the team management, Intikhab Alam and Waqar Younis had declared me unfit for the semi-final even though the captain Shahid Afridi wanted me to play, I wanted to go into the ground,” he said.

“It was the most shattering experience for me and believe me at that time if I could and if God had allowed me I would have killed someone.

“Playing against India in a World Cup semi-final was the biggest match for me and I knew if I played I would have gone flat out in the first 10 overs as those overs would decide the match. It hurts they didn’t play me although I asked them tell me how did you decide I am unfit,” Akhtar added.

In fact, Akhtar said that he no issue with Afridi. “We have supported each other a lot and I know Shahid wanted me to play in the semi-final but Intikhab and Waqar ganged up against me,” he said.