Pakistan’s abrupt exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup has ignited a wave of criticism directed at both the players and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Captain Babar Azam has become the focal point of the backlash, with former players and analysts calling for a change in leadership.

Key Points:

• Danish Kaneria’s Scathing Critique: Former spinner Danish Kaneria lambasted the PCB for what he described as poor team selection. In an emotionally charged comment, Kaneria stated, “Select useless team. Only score against Zimbabwe and compare Babar with Kohli.”
• Virender Sehwag’s Harsh Judgment: Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag did not hold back in his assessment. He declared that Babar Azam “doesn’t deserve a place” in the team, let alone the captaincy.
• Babar Azam’s Response: The captain himself acknowledged the team’s collective failures, emphasizing that cricket is a team sport. “I cannot play in every player’s place,” Babar remarked, hinting at the broader issues within the squad.
• Shoaib Malik’s Suggestion: Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik suggested that Babar should “immediately resign” from the captaincy to focus on his batting.
• Mixed Reactions from the Cricketing World: While some, like former Indian player K Srikkanth, criticized Babar’s conservative batting approach, others like Sanjay Bangar supported him, calling him the best man to lead Pakistan.

Social Media Frenzy:

The discourse has been lively on social media, with significant figures in cricket weighing in:

• TheRealPCB: Official updates on match results and team changes.
• Saj Sadiq: Detailed player ratings and analysis.
• Cricket Analysts: Engaging in debates about potential replacements for Babar Azam.

Babar Azam’s Future:

In a recent press conference, Babar stated that the decision regarding his captaincy rests with the PCB. He admitted that the team had made several mistakes and that improvements are needed. “We win and lose as a team. You are pointing out the captain, but I cannot play in every player’s place,” Babar asserted, indicating his willingness to accept collective responsibility.

Public Reaction:

The fans are equally divided. Some are calling for a complete overhaul of the team management, while others believe that Babar still has the potential to lead the team effectively if given the right support.

Conclusion:

As Pakistan reels from this disappointing World Cup campaign, the focus now shifts to how the PCB will address these issues. The cricketing fraternity awaits the board’s decision, which could significantly impact the future direction of Pakistan cricket.

Upcoming Matches:

With the T20 World Cup behind them, Pakistan will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming series. The team’s performance in these matches will likely be scrutinized closely as fans and critics alike assess the effectiveness of any changes implemented by the PCB.