October 12, 2024: Following Pakistan’s historic defeat against England in the Multan Test, former opening batter Ahmed Shehzad suggested that the team watch the Bollywood classic Lagaan for motivation.
The defeat was particularly painful, as it marked Shan Masood’s sixth consecutive loss as captain and saw Pakistan become the first team in Test history to lose after posting a 550-plus score in their first innings.
Shehzad pointed out the lack of motivation in the team’s performance, criticizing their attitude and calling for changes, including giving opportunities to younger players like Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali. Using Lagaan as a metaphor, he encouraged the team to find inspiration from the villagers in the movie who defeated the British cricket team to avoid paying taxes, despite the enormous odds against them.
He humorously added that while the villagers in Lagaan had to pay from their pockets, Pakistan’s cricket players only have the pressure from the Pakistan Cricket Board to contend with.
The loss to England came after a series defeat to Bangladesh, adding to Pakistan’s mounting struggles at home, as they haven’t secured a Test victory on their own soil since February 2022.
