Former India wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik points out a valid reason behind Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s struggles in international cricket. The former ODI World Cup Champions from 1992 and 1996 respectively, seem to have lost the plot in recent years.
Once giants in world cricket, the Asian duo also contributed to the success of the T20 format, by lifting the World Cup in 2009 (Pakistan) and 2014 (Sri Lanka). However, their recent struggles go beyond their once-on-a-time successes. Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan failed to cross the group stage in the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024.
Most recently, Pakistan lost their last Test match against Bangladesh at home, a historic result for the visitors. Sri Lanka on the other hand, have found it difficult to survive the alien conditions in England in their red-ball series. Both teams are sitting in the lower half of the table in the latest World Test Championship (2023-25) rankings.
Dinesh Karthik spoke about the countries’ struggles in the international scene, after failing to make their presence felt at the highest levels.
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What did Dinesh Karthik say about Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s struggles in international cricket?
Speaking to media outlet Cricbuzz, the Tamil Nadu-born responded to fan questions in a video. A fan asked Karthik about Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s struggles in international cricket. The 39-year-old was straightforward in pointing out key factors that have led to the downfall of the Asian powerhouses.
Karthik spoke at length about the importance of domestic cricket, as a major contributor towards international success. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have struggled to cope up with the world-class talents produced by other countries.
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The former Indian international also blamed the lack of adequate finances, and the incompetent infrastructure as a reason for the international downfall of both nations.
“You need a very strong domestic structure to do well in international cricket. That has been a challenge for both these teams over the years (SL and PAK). Financially, they have struggled. It is reflected in the infrastructure development and, in turn in the domestic cricket,” Karthik stated.
“Their failures at domestic levels has led to their inability to produce quality cricketers which they once produced. It is a very big cycle – how you get your finances, how you use them for cricket, improving domestic cricket. All of this will improve your international cricket standards,” the 39-year-old added.
Thoughts on #BabarAzam‘s captaincy 🧐
Where did #Pakistan err in loss vs #Bangladesh ❓
Reasons behind decline of #SriLanka cricket team 🤔@DineshKarthik shares his views on #heyCB, here 🔽 pic.twitter.com/2492pM3s5W
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) August 31, 2024
What next for Pakistan and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka will play the third and final Test of the three-match Test series against England. The game is scheduled from September 06 to September 10 at the iconic Oval in London.
Pakistan, who are currently playing Bangladesh in the second of the two-match Test series, are scheduled to face England at home in their next assignment. Shan Masood & Co. will host the visitors in the first Test, scheduled from October 07 to October 11 in Multan.
