Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Atiq-uz-Zaman lambasted the national team players for holidaying lavishly following their T20 World Cup 2024 exit. The Babar Azam-led side lost to arch-rivals India and hosts the US to exit the marquee tournament in the Group Stage.

Following their exit, the Pakistan team was heavily criticized by fans and former players, for holidaying on national duty.

“You are creating such a drama. During our time, there used to be a coach and with him a manager — the team was run like that,” said Atiq in the video. “Ab aapke 17 log hain officals mein aur 17 players hain, suna hai ke aapne 60 kamre book karvaye hue they (you have 17 officials and 17 players; it’s being said you booked 60 rooms). That’s a joke! Have you gone there to play cricket or to holiday?”

The former Pakistan player also questioned the national players for carrying their wife and family along with them. Zaman believes that the Pakistan team lacks discipline as they should have focused on cricket alone during the two weeks at the T20 World Cup 2024.

“Why do you allow families in big events?…Begum, jaan nahi chhodti; aapne aadat bana di hai, begum ko saath le ke ghoomne ki aadat hai (you have made it a habit to travel with wife on tours). They go out in the evening and the focus shifts from cricket. They focus on family, kids, wife…Takeaways pe khana kha rahe hote hain…aur wahan pe unki movieyan chal rahi hoti hain (they are eating at takeaway joints and are being captured on videos there),” said Atiq, who played one Test and three ODIs for the Pakistan senior team.

“Such a culture has been created in Pakistan cricket that nobody knows what is discipline…You have gone to play such a big event, where is your focus?…Can’t you leave everything else and focus on cricket alone for two weeks? You are being paid crores annually,” he concluded.