(PCB Photo)
The ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has become a nightmare for the Pakistan cricket squad. After a shocking loss to the USA, the Pakistani team faced another defeat against their arch-rivals, India. This has resulted in relentless criticism directed at the team captain and management. Former Pakistani cricket stars and leaders have launched a barrage of disapproval towards Babar Azam & Co, urging significant changes in both the team composition and leadership.
Pakistan exhibited an impressive bowling performance, managing to dismiss India for a mere 119 runs in 19 overs. Despite initially looking well-positioned during their chase, Pakistan suffered a remarkable collapse, ultimately ending with a score of 113/7. Meanwhile, India secured their second consecutive victory in the ongoing tournament.
The defeat has left the Pakistani cricket community furious, prompting numerous former players to call for Babar’s dismissal as the team captain. Veteran all-rounder and former captain Shoaib Malik made a scathing attack on Babar Azam, asking him to ‘leave captaincy’.
“I have been saying for a long time, please leave captaincy. You are a class player, and you will only be able to show your class when you do not have additional responsibilities on you. If Babar stays away from captaincy, it will be good for him,” Shoaib Malik said on Ten Sports.
“People keep talking about Babar and Rizwan’s strike rates, so you brought in Saim Ayub,” Malik said.
“Yesterday, it was a 120 chase, why were you trying to improve your strike rate? The platform was set in every manner. If as a leader and a batter, your brain doesn’t kick in, in these sorts of situations, when will it? I am forced to say today that the core of this team, in the T20I format, I think we have to stop backing them,” Malik added.
The ex-Pakistani skipper also raised doubts about Rizwan’s batting strategy during the pursuit of 120 runs against India.
“I didn’t understand that shot from Rizwan. They brought back their main bowler to pick up a wicket and Rizwan has been playing for so long and captaining in PSL. He should be familiar with the situation and put up his hand and say this is my match,” he said.
