Pakistani players skip net practice due to “immense stress” after defeat against India

Pakistani cricketers have reportedly confined themselves to their rooms due to “immense stress” following their crushing defeat to India in the T20 World Cup match at Nassau Stadium in New York.

As per sources, a somber mood hangs over the Green Shirts camp following the cricketers' lackluster performance on Sunday’s crucial match. The humiliating defeat reduced Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the Super 8 stage.

Pakistan will face Canada in a must-win match of the T20 World Cup today. 

After their disappointing performance and the super-over loss to the United States, Pakistani cricketers were seen leaving their New York hotel to unwind and have dinner.

However, players remained confined to their rooms for most of Monday after their humiliating defeat to India. The team also skipped their scheduled net practice session.

Assistant coach Azhar Mehmood held a press conference on Monday and acknowledged batsmen's mistakes in shot selection during the match against India.

"The team's morale is low after the loss against India,” however, he maintained that it is crucial “we pick ourselves up and remember there's still a tournament to play. We won't give up until the final match."

Earlier on Sunday, the Green Shirts captain won the toss and invited Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to bat first in the T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match in New York.

After India's batting lineup faltered and collapsed for a mere 119 runs in 19 overs, Pakistan's win seemed certain with such a low target. However, the batsmen fell short of expectations again, only managing 113 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs.

The team's abysmal performance sparked widespread criticism, with many blaming poor decision-making, politicisation of cricket, and demanding Babar Azam and Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi to step down from their positions immediately.