Pakistan’s latest defeat against England was not simply the result of one bad day on the field. It was the culmination of structural flaws, muddled thinking and a leadership crisis that has hollowed out the team’s competitive edge.

What unfolded looked less like a professional cricketing strategy and more like an avoidable defeat, handed over to England almost on a platter.

From the outset, the team’s composition raised eyebrows. Three players - Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi - had already been identified as out of form. Yet instead of recalibrating the line-up, the management persisted with the same combination. Ironically, Shaheen’s sudden burst of effort appeared driven less by planning and more by pressure. Following Shahid Afridi’s public remark suggesting that Shaheen should be dropped, the pacer seemed desperate to reclaim lost ground. Of his three wickets, it also owed to brilliant wicket-keeping.

Babar’s struggles have now become chronic. Scoring 25 off 24, he once again looked uneasy, repeatedly beaten by the googly - unable to decipher a delivery that top-tier batters are expected to command. Shadab, meanwhile, was given an opportunity against Namibia to revive his form and justify his place but produced nothing of substance. In a lineup where the top three must be your strongest assets, Pakistan’s captain now seems no longer justify occupying the number three position. He no longer anchors; he merely survives. Agha Salman now now joins the list of captains whose place and leadership invite scrutiny.

Meanwhile, talents like Nafay and Nasim Shah have been inexplicably benched during the tournament. Only Sahibzada Farhan stands as a pillar of reliability, performing consistently while chaos swirls around him. Saim Ayub, despite his promise, continues to throw away his wicket through rash decision-making. Usman Khan, apart from a fleeting moment of brilliance against India, has not proven himself dependable. Ayub compensates somewhat through his bowling, but beyond the fourth position, Pakistan’s batting often devolves into sheer luck - “perhaps fluke batting” rather than a structured, resilient middle-order.

The baffling exclusion of Abrar further exposes the team’s tunnel vision. England has historically struggled against right-arm leg-spin - Abrar’s specialty. Yet Shadab was preferred despite his prolonged dip in form. The logic remains incomprehensible and the results proved the point. Shadab was dispatched with ease by England’s batters, conceding 31 runs in three overs without taking a wicket.

Then comes the captaincy - a case study in rigid thinking. After Shaheen dismantled England’s top order with three quick strikes, the moment demanded the introduction of the so-called “secret weapon,” Usman Tariq. Instead of reacting to the situation, however, the captain adhered to a scripted plan, seemingly influenced by Aqib Javed and Mike Hesson, whose strategies appear detached from match conditions. This mechanical, box-bound leadership suffocates instinct and prevents situational thinking.

Usman Tariq was introduced late. Even after taking a wicket with the first ball of his opening over, he was removed prematurely, allowing England’s batters time and space to settle.

Previously, the captain had curiously saved overs after dismissing Abhishek; this time, he demonstrated little trust in his attack at all. It was leadership in disarray - no flexibility, no composure, no adaptability. As the chase tightened, panic visibly took over, and Pakistan’s familiar confusion syndrome resurfaced.

Shaheen bowled three tight overs, only to be heavily punished in his fourth. The captaincy lacked maturity, foresight, and adaptability - traits essential in modern cricket, particularly in high-stakes tournaments.

With New Zealand defeating Sri Lanka, one variable in the equation has been removed. Pakistan now moves rapidly toward exclusion before the semifinal stage.

What follows is predictable noise. One lobby will demand Babar’s return as captain despite his own history of rigid leadership. Another will argue for Shaheen Shah Afridi. A third will push for Rizwan. The deeper question remains: why does Pakistani cricket refuse to evolve? Why does it remain trapped in cycles of personalities rather than systems?

The solution is neither complicated nor revolutionary. Appoint a sharp, unbiased cricketing mind with no political or personal baggage to assist Chairman Naqvi. Grant that individual full autonomy. Shield the setup from interference. Empower a strong administrator who prioritises merit over familiarity and rejects “sifarish.” No player should be considered for selection without sustained participation in first-class cricket.

Give such a structure six uninterrupted months to rebuild the team, restore discipline and craft a coherent, modern identity. The removal of entrenched strategic influences is essential.

Until then, Pakistan will continue gifting victories to stronger teams - not for lack of talent, but for lack of direction.

The writer is former Convenor, PCB Adhoc Committee, former First Class Cricketer and former Inspector General of Police.