Former England pacer Stuart Broad has admitted that he regrets calling Pakistan a “poor side.”
Broad now believes Pakistan’s problems are linked more to its cricket structure than to its players.
He made the comments on the For the Love of Cricket podcast. Broad discussed his earlier remarks about Pakistan before the ongoing Test series against England.
Broad Backed England for a 3-0 Win
Before the second Test, Broad backed England to win the series 3-0.
He said England had a much stronger team than Pakistan.
“I don’t know what we can really know about this team, but, as I said in the last podcast, which quite a few Pakistani fans took exception to, Pakistan are a poor side and England should win this series 3-0.
If they don’t, it would be an absolute disaster. I haven’t changed my opinion on that at all. England should win this Test series 3-0; they’ve simply got a stronger side,” Broad had said.
However, Broad has now changed his view after watching Pakistan in the first two Tests.
Pakistani Fans Showed Their Passion
Broad said he received many messages from Pakistani fans after his comments.
He said the messages showed how strongly supporters care about Pakistan cricket.
“I said before the series that I felt Pakistan were a poor side, and I got a lot of messages and notes on social media from Pakistan. It showed me how much passion, love and drive there still is for Pakistan cricket,” Broad said.
The former England fast bowler also acknowledged the talent in Pakistan.
He highlighted the country’s fast bowlers and batters in particular.
“There’s so much passion for the game in that country, and there’s talent there. They have bowlers who bowl at 140 clicks and batters who can hit the ball,” he added.
Broad Points to Cricket Management
Broad then admitted that his earlier comments unfairly blamed Pakistan’s players.
After watching the team closely, he now sees deeper problems within Pakistan cricket.
He pointed to the hierarchy, selection process and frequent coaching changes as key concerns.
“I actually regret saying they were a poor side because I feel that blamed the players. Now that I’ve seen them operate in two Test matches, I can quite clearly see that it’s the hierarchy, the selection and the changes in coaching that are the issues,” Broad stated.
Broad’s comments mark a clear change from his earlier assessment. He now believes Pakistan has the talent to compete but needs greater stability in its cricket structure.
