KARACHI: Former England captain Michael Vaughan recently described Pakistan as a weak and frightened team, while The Daily Telegraph writer Scyld Berry called it the weakest Pakistan side in 50 years. Former England cricketer Stuart Broad even predicted that England should beat Pakistan 3-0 in the Test series.

Pakistani fans may understandably be angry at such comments. But, honestly, did they say anything completely wrong?

Pakistan are currently at the rock bottom of the World Test Championship standings. They have won only eight of their last 31 Tests and were recently whitewashed by Bangladesh in two consecutive series. Their recent victory over the West Indies was their first Test win away from home in three years.

Instead of blaming Vaughan, Broad or Berry, Pakistan cricket must look honestly at itself.

There is no longer an excuse that one missing star could have changed everything. The real problem is the lack of quality players coming through the system. Why are selectors who repeatedly fail to identify and develop talent still holding their positions?

Pakistan once had world-class fast bowlers such as Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Today, the pace attack lacks the speed, swing and consistency needed to trouble top batting line-ups. On a fast, cloudy pitch, Pakistan’s bowlers struggled badly, while England dismissed them for 171 and 135.

Ali Raza is highly regarded, but questions remain over his fitness and ability to bowl long spells. The recent Champions Cup also failed to produce a young fast bowler who demanded immediate attention.

The batting has similar problems. Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s biggest name, but he has not scored a Test century for four years. Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel need greater consistency, while Azan Awais must prove that his talent can produce performances regularly.

Rizwan’s attacking approach in Test cricket has also sometimes cost Pakistan valuable wickets, while the lower order continues to collapse, too, easily.

The bigger concern is the mentality. Pakistan appear to have become accustomed to losing. players often seem more concerned about securing their place in the next match than taking responsibility for the team.

The domestic system has also suffered from constant changes. Departmental cricket was abolished and later restored, while the structure has repeatedly been altered. Meanwhile, India continues to produce young players capable of scoring centuries, taking wickets and winning matches.

Pakistan cricket is also losing the attention of its fans. Sponsors and commercial interest cannot remain strong when the national team continues to struggle and produces few marketable stars.

The solution will not come from attacking Vaughan or Broad. If Pakistan perform in the remaining Tests, their critics will be silenced naturally.

The ball is still in the team’s court. But if performances do not improve, the PCB must be prepared to make difficult decisions, not only about the players, but also about the selectors and the system that produces them.

Pakistan cricket needs change, courage and, above all, hope. Otherwise, we will simply continue blaming the critics while ignoring the real problems.