Pakistan’s disappointing group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup continues to cast a long shadow. Following harsh criticism of the team’s performance, a new controversy has emerged, raising questions about captain Babar Azam’s leadership. Former cricketers and administrators have been relentless in their criticism of the Babar Azam-led side.
Pakistan’s lack of fitness, intent, and inability to recover from early losses against debutants USA and India have been widely scrutinized. Adding fuel to the fire, senior journalist Mubashir Lucman made a serious allegation against Babar Azam. In a viral video, Lucman questioned the source of a costly Audi e-Tron GT gifted to Azam by his brother.
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The car’s exorbitant price tag, estimated to be over PKR 7 crore in Pakistan, sparked suspicion about the legitimacy of the gift. Lucman suggested that such rewards might be tied to on-field performances, raising concerns about potential corruption within the team. The video generated mixed reactions. While some saw it as an attempt to defame the team, others called for a thorough investigation.
پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے مایہ ناز جواری کھلاڑی…..
بابر اعظم کو امریکا سے میچ ہارنے پر 8 کروڑ کی آڈی ای ٹرون کار اور دبئی میں اپارٹمنٹ کا
👇👇👇👇تحفہ ملا۔ مبشر لقمان کا انکشاف pic.twitter.com/QaaDumG4W9— Qamar Raza (@Rizzvi73) June 19, 2024
Amidst the ongoing controversy, reports suggest that several senior players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, might be rested for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August. This decision could be a strategic move by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address the recent failures and blood new talent.
People need to stop underestimating how much Babar Azam makes.
PSL makes him $250,000, his salary from the PCB is around the same + 2 other leagues would make him close to $1 million.
This is without branding, advertising etc…
This car is only worth around $100k. https://t.co/Ozmt9mOE0x
— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) June 19, 2024
I have just one question: Why couldn’t Babar Azam’s brother afford shoes for him when he desperately needed them, yet he suddenly gifted Babar Azam an 8 crore car?
The question that remains unanswered is: Where did he earn that money from? https://t.co/Hkt9Ju36Pz
— Googly (@googly2306) June 19, 2024
You have lost your mind , although car are gift but a small Youtubers can buy these things now ..babar azam is brand ambassador of many companies in Pakistan …why not he buy cars ..find something else to defame him .feel bad for babar he is in wrong country..
— MATRIX of Life (@A_brain_wave) June 19, 2024
Sources state that the PCB is in discussions with Test captain Shan Masood and new red-ball coach Jason Gillespie to finalize plans for the Bangladesh series. Resting senior players could provide opportunities for uncapped or inexperienced players to showcase their abilities.
The final call on team selection remains with Masood and Gillespie, who might also be consulted for planning the ICC Champions Trophy in early 2025.
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The aftermath of Pakistan’s World Cup exit highlights the need for introspection and change within the team. Whether the PCB’s potential plan to rest senior players and investigate allegations proves effective remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Pakistan must address these issues head-on to build a stronger team capable of achieving future success.
