Wed Feb 25 08:57:35 UTC 2026: ### Saim Ayub’s T20 World Cup Struggles Draw Criticism and “Laadla” Accusations

The Story:
Pakistani opener Saim Ayub is facing intense scrutiny following his continued struggles in the T20 World Cup. After a string of low scores, including a dismissal for 7 against England in a crucial Super 8 encounter, Ayub’s place in the team is being questioned. Former players like Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal have openly criticized his performances, with Ali branding him a “laadla” (favorite) of the team management. Their comments highlight concerns about Ayub’s shot selection, mental fortitude, and perceived preferential treatment.

The criticism stems from a pattern of dismissals where Ayub has failed to adapt to the bowler’s pace and bounce, often falling to aggressive shots early in his innings. Despite having played 60-65 matches, he is seen as not learning from his mistakes, fueling accusations of favoritism within the team’s selection process.

Key Points:

  • Saim Ayub scored only 7 runs against England in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match.
  • His current tournament average is 14.00, with a total of 70 runs.
  • He has been dismissed for single-digit scores 15 times in the last year in T20Is.
  • Basit Ali labeled Ayub a “laadla” (favorite) of the team management.
  • Kamran Akmal criticized Ayub for not utilizing the pace of bowlers effectively.
  • Shoaib Malik alleged the team management favors only 3-4 players.

Key Takeaways:

  • Performance Pressure: The article highlights the intense pressure faced by young players like Saim Ayub in high-stakes tournaments.
  • Nepotism Concerns: Allegations of favoritism within the Pakistan team management are resurfacing, potentially impacting team morale and performance.
  • Tactical Adaptability: Ayub’s repeated failures to adjust his game based on the bowler’s strengths and match situation are a significant concern.
  • Veteran’s Criticism: The harsh words from former players like Basit Ali and Kamran Akmal reflect deep-seated issues within Pakistan cricket.
  • Team Dynamics: Shoaib Malik’s comments suggest a potential divide within the team based on perceived favoritism.

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