The ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has been a series of unfortunate events for the Pakistan cricket team. Following a shocking defeat against the USA, Pakistan also lost to arch-rivals India, leading to a storm of criticism targeting both the captain and the team management. Former Pakistan players and captains have been particularly vocal, criticizing Babar Azam and his team, and demanding significant changes in both the squad and its leadership.
Pakistan initially put up an impressive bowling performance, restricting India to a modest total of 119 in just 19 overs. During their chase, Pakistan appeared to be in control and on course for a comfortable victory. However, the men in blue staged a remarkable comeback, leading to an extraordinary collapse of the Pakistani batting lineup.
Eventually, Pakistan was restricted to 113/7, resulting in India securing their second consecutive win in the tournament. This defeat has sparked widespread outrage within the Pakistan cricket community. Numerous former players have called for Babar Azam to step down as captain. Veteran all-rounder and former captain Shoaib Malik was particularly harsh in his critique, urging Babar to relinquish his captaincy.
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“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 stated on Ten Sports.
Shoaib Malik continued, addressing the team’s tactical decisions, “People keep talking about Babar and Rizwan’s strike rates, so you brought in Saim Ayub. 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, we have to stop backing them.”
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Malik also questioned Mohammad Rizwan’s approach during the chase against India. “I didn’t understand that shot from Rizwan. They brought back their main bowler to pick up a wicket and Rizwan, having played and captained in PSL, should be familiar with the situation and take responsibility. He should put up his hand and say this is my match,” he emphasized.
The critique from Malik and others reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the current leadership and strategy of the Pakistan cricket team, signaling a possible call for a major overhaul in their approach moving forward in the tournament.
