Credits:AFP

Wasim Akram, former Pakistan captain, heavily criticized the national team following their early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024. Akram suggested that the entire Pakistan squad should face dismissal due to their disappointing show in the tournament held in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA).

Pakistan’s hopes of progressing to the Super Eight stage were shattered when the match between the United States of America (USA) and Ireland was called off due to a wet outfield. With the USA earning five points, surpassing Pakistan’s total, their chances were dashed. In Group A, India and the USA secured spots in the Super 8s.

Under the leadership of Babar Azam, Pakistan began their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a loss to the United States of America in a Super Over. To remain in contention for the Super 8s, they needed a victory over India but faced another defeat against their arch-rivals. Their first win came against Canada.

Nothing Will Happen To Them – Wasim Akram

Following Pakistan’s loss to India, Wasim Akram suggested during a broadcast that instead of dismissing coaches and support staff, the PCB should consider replacing the entire team. Akram emphasized that Pakistani players seem to escape consequences for their underwhelming performances.

“Pakistani players think that if they don’t perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them. It is time to keep the coaches and change the entire team,” Wasim Akram said, according to AFP.

After Pakistan’s disappointment in failing to reach the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023, the Pakistan Cricket Board dismissed the entire coaching staff, including Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn. Babar Azam was also relieved of his captaincy across all formats but was later reinstated as the captain for T20Is earlier this year.

You Select Players Based On Friendship – Kamran Akmal

Former player Kamran Akmal voiced criticism regarding the selection of Shadab Khan over Usama Mir in the Pakistan team. Akmal alleged that Shadab’s inclusion was influenced by his strong personal ties with captain Babar Azam. He highlighted that Usama Mir, who topped the wicket-taking charts in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL), was overlooked despite his performance.

“When you select players based on friendship, you’ll get these results. Mir should have been in the squad… That was a big injustice,” Akmal told AFP

Michael Vaughan, former England captain, recently expressed criticism of the Pakistani team following their underwhelming displays at this year’s World Cup. Vaughan implied that Babar Azam might not be considered for top T20 teams such as England, Australia, India, or the West Indies based on current performances.

“I don’t think they have the skill set of what I’ve seen in the past from Pakistan cricket in T20 cricket. I honestly don’t think they’ve got many great T20 players. Babar Azam is exceptional, but would he make England’s, Australia’s, India’s, or the West Indies’ T20 teams? Probably not,” Vaughan said.

Pakistan will play their final group stage match against Ireland at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida on June 16, Sunday. The Men in Green will leave for Pakistan after their match against Ireland.