Pakistan’s ODI series win in Australia after a wait of 22 years has garnered a host of positive reactions from former cricketers, journalists, and fans, who are now saying that the change in the leadership mindset is finally visible.
“Aussie Aussie Aussie… Moye Moye Moye,” former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez wrote on X, giving a humorous twist to the popular Australian chant.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar shared his thoughts in a video posted on his YouTube channel, where he reminisced about Pakistan’s last victory in Australia in 2002, a series where Akhtar was the top wicket taker.
“Finally, Pakistan has managed a comprehensive win against Australia…Pakistan is here to stay and Pakistan team is here to do wonders” said Akhtar.
The former pacer also pointed out at the change in mindset of the leadership of the Pakistani cricket team.
Fans took to social media to heap praise on the team, but specifically highlighted the performances of newly appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan and star batsman Babar Azam, who won the series with a clinical six in style.
“Bowlers taking wickets, Babar Azam again scoring runs, Pakistan cricket might be back on track,” a user wrote on X.
Several fans were pleasantly surprised with Pakistan’s victory, with one commenting on YouTube, “Pakistani team has two moods, either they play with their fans’ emotions or with the opposition’s emotions”.
Another user said, “We got Pakistan conquered Australia before GTA 6”, referring to the long-awaited instalment of the widely popular Grand Theft Auto video game series.
Also read: Pakistanis say India’s 3-0 loss to New Zealand is ‘karma’, a ‘massive wake-up call’
A ‘feel good factor’
While the general sentiment post victory has been positive, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has gone through a troubled period over recent months. After Pakistan’s Test win in England, the board announced the resignation of Gary Kirsten and appointment of Jason Gillespie, who took over the team right before their ODI series in Australia. Pakistan had also lost 2-0 to Bangladesh at home in a Test series in August and were knocked out of the T20 World Cup in June.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja posted an analysis video on his YouTube Channel after the win against Australia, saying there was a “freshness in the dugout and in the change of leadership”. The team had brought a “feel good factor” into the ODI series after their recent England win, said Raja before ending his video on an optimistic note about the team’s chances in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, where Pakistan is the defending champions and will be hosting the series.
Wasim Akram, former Pakistan cricket captain, who was also a commentator throughout the ODI series, took to X to congratulate the team and new captain Rizwan. “It will lift Pakistan’s cricket image hugely,” Akram said on the victory. Across the border in India, X users left cheeky comments on the post.
“And Pakistan continues its reputation of being the most unpredictable team of all time. Beating England and now Australia, can’t guarantee what will happen next,” one user wrote.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)