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Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been on the receiving end of widespread criticism after his side did not live up to expectations in the ongoing World Cup 2023. Babar in the press conference before the England clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata had said that he is not under pressure due to captaincy. He took an indirect dig at former players who have criticised his captaincy on Pakistan news channels. Former Pakistan captains Wasim Akram and Shahid Afridi hit back at Babar for his comments.
“There is no pressure on me. I was performing and leading the side for the past three years as well. It is easy to say things while sitting on TV. People who want to advise me can contact me on my number,” Babar had said.
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"That response wasn't needed at all. Just focus on playing well. Perform in a way that no one has to call you," Afridi said on Samaa TV.
Akram feels that the captain is answerable if the team does not perform.
"If you do well, everything goes fine. But if you don’t, then you have to be answerable to people and the press. And don’t worry about what people say, you need to be immune to this," said on A Sports.
In their last league match, Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals with the result of coin toss as Jos Buttler chose to bat first. Once again, Pakistan failed to take early wickets and their fielding was sloppy. England posted 337/9 on the board. In reply, none of the Pakistan batter could play the anchor role as they got bowled out for 244 and lost the match by 93 runs.
Pakistan finished fifth on the points table as tailenders chipped in with cameos. After the match, Babar said that they gave 20-30 extra runs. Also, he rued losing the match to South Africa.
“Yes, very disappointed with the performance. If we had won SA match, could've been a different story. But yes, have made mistakes in bowling, batting and fielding. We gave 20-30 runs extra. Bowled few loose deliveries. Our spinners haven't taken wickets. That's had a big effect. If spinners don't take wickets in middle over, you struggle. We have to sit together. Let's see. Will take positives and discuss our mistakes also. I will do the best to pitch in my experience,” he said in the post-match presentation.
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