The arrival of the Pakistan cricket team in Australia for a crucial three-match Test series was marked by an unfortunate incident in Canberra. In a viral video, Pakistani players, including captain Shan Masood and coaching staff, were seen loading their luggage into a truck outside the airport, as no one from the Pakistan embassy or Australian cricket board was present to receive them.
Watch the video here:
The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with some praising the players for their humble attitude, while others questioned whether they were forced to carry out the task under compulsion. Mohammad Rizwan, in particular, received positive attention for his seemingly happy demeanor while loading luggage and engaging with fans.
Despite the lack of a welcoming committee, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has yet to address the issue, leaving fans eager for clarification. The players, led by newly-appointed captain Shan Masood, are in Australia for a significant Test series that will be part of the World Test Championship in 2025.
The challenges for Pakistan in Australian Test matches are historically significant, with their last victory dating back to 1995 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The team faces difficulties adapting to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches, resulting in a longstanding losing streak. Shan Masood, taking on the role of Test captain, faces the formidable task of rallying the team against a strong Australian lineup, especially following Australia’s recent triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The Pakistan cricket team’s tour itinerary includes a four-day match against the Prime Minister’s XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra from December 6-9, followed by three Test matches at Perth Stadium (December 14-18), Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30), and Sydney Cricket Ground (January 3-7).
This tour marks Pakistan’s first Test series in Australia since 2019, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat under Azhar Ali’s captaincy. Pakistan has never won a Test series in Australia, adding to the challenges they face on this tour.
Pakistan squad for Australia Tests
Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
The Australian squad for the Test series is yet to be announced, with selectors expected to finalize the lineup after the ongoing Sheffield Shield games.
