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Babar Azam is reportedly contemplating legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers for accusing him of misconduct during the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. According to a Geo News report citing sources close to Babar, he was targeted in a social media campaign during the ICC event.
Seeking to address these allegations, Babar intends to issue legal notices to those involved in what he perceives as a defamatory campaign. The Pakistan captain has sought counsel from legal experts on this matter. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also reportedly gathered evidence regarding the derogatory statements made against Babar.
Following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup, Babar and his team have faced criticism from former players and fans alike.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup journey began with a surprising loss to USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. This setback was followed by another defeat to India by a narrow margin of six runs, further denting their aspirations for T20 glory.
Subsequently, Pakistan’s hopes were dashed when the USA vs Ireland match, crucial for their advancement, ended in a no-result due to rain. This outcome allowed the USA to secure a vital point for progressing into the Super 8 stage, sealing Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament.
Shortly after Pakistan’s exit, cricket icon Shahid Afridi expressed his disappointment on his YouTube channel. The former all-rounder suggested that Babar Azam should have supported his teammate Shaheen Afridi amidst the leadership changes.
“If the move regarding Shaheen’s captaincy had been made and the PCB stated that he would remain the captain till the T20 World Cup, then I think Babar should have supported Shaheen and should have said that ‘no, if you have made him (Shaheen) the captain, then we are ready to play under his captaincy’,” Afridi had said.
After Pakistan’s unexpected elimination from the ICC event, The Express Tribune reported that Babar Azam and five other Pakistani players, namely Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan, plan to spend their holidays in London before returning home. The report also mentioned that the team’s head coach Gary Kirsten and Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood would be heading to their respective home countries during this period.
The PCB made this decision because there are no upcoming matches scheduled. Pakistan’s next engagement is a white-ball series against Australia in November of this year.
