(AP Photo)
Following Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam, star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi acknowledged their subpar performance but appealed to the fans to maintain their support and affection despite their elimination from the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after the group phase.
Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 concluded prematurely as they were unable to progress to the Super Eight phase of the competition. Their journey was marred by unexpected setbacks, beginning with a dramatic super-over defeat against the USA, followed by a pivotal loss to their arch-rivals India.
Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 concluded with disappointment, despite a victory over Canada. Their overall performance fell short, especially in improving their net run rate, which was crucial for advancing further in the tournament.
The Men in Green failed to seize opportunities and deliver consistent performances, resulting in them trailing in Group A standings. A pivotal moment occurred when the USA and Ireland’s match in Group A was abandoned due to inclement weather, leading to both teams sharing points.
This circumstance favored the USA, allowing them to progress to the Super Eight stage at Pakistan’s expense. The USA’s strong showing throughout the group stage was instrumental in securing their spot in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s narrow three-wicket victory over Ireland in their final tournament match. Afridi impressed with figures of 3/22 in his 4 overs and later contributed a quickfire 13 runs from 5 balls, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
Following Pakistan’s premature exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, Shaheen Afridi emphasized the need for improvement, acknowledging their below-par cricket that resulted in their disappointing early departure from the tournament. Looking ahead to the ICC Champions Trophy next year, Afridi underscored the urgency of addressing and rectifying all shortcomings to perform better in future competitions.
Shaheen Afridi said: “We didn’t play good cricket which our country demands. There are few areas we need to improve quickly, the Champions Trophy is coming. We have to improve and we’ll have to grow as a team. Crowd – they always come and support us, thank you everyone for the support. It’s tough times but they always come and support us, that’s what we need as a team.”
Previously, the Pakistani fast bowler expressed on the YouTube channel Crickwick that if fans withdraw their support during challenging periods, they would be no different from the media in their lack of backing for the team.
Afridi said: “Everyone supports you in good times, but I’ve always said that fans must support us in tough times. If you can’t support us during these times, you’re just like the media.”
