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PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi harshly criticized the Pakistani team following their narrow six-run defeat to India in the Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on June 9, Sunday. Naqvi joined a growing chorus of experts and former Pakistani cricketers who have expressed disappointment with the Babar Azam-led team's performance in the prestigious tournament. He strongly rebuked the players, suggesting that the team required major surgery.
PCB chief slams Pakistan after agonising defeat vs India
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the team’s current form, Naqvi indicated that a significant overhaul might be necessary, potentially involving the dismissal of some players.
"It seemed initially that a minor surgery would suffice but following the extremely poor performance against India, it is clear that a major surgery is necessary," Naqvi was quoted as telling the media.
"Our performance is at its lowest. Improving the team's performance is our biggest challenge," he added.
Pakistan continued their struggles against India in T20 World Cups, losing their 7th out of the last 8 encounters. Babar Azam's team fell short while chasing a modest target of 120 runs. They were well-placed at one point, needing just 48 runs with 7 wickets remaining at a manageable run rate, but faltered under pressure. Acknowledging the growing fan disappointment, PCB chairman Naqvi assured a critical review of the team's performance.
"It is very disappointing the way we lost to the USA and now this loss to India. We need to now start looking at players beyond those in the team right now. Why the team is not performing is something everyone is asking. The World Cup is still on. But, obviously, we will sit down and take a look at everything," Naqvi added.
In a close match that went down to the wire, Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of USA in a Super Over contest at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas. Looking ahead to next year, when Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy, the PCB Chairman indicated the board's commitment to building a stronger team.
"We need to prepare the team for the Champions Trophy & it is time to give new talent sitting on the sidelines a chance," he concluded.
Pakistan's qualification for the Super 8 stage hinges on not only winning their remaining matches against Canada and Ireland, but also some favorable results elsewhere in Group A. Ideally, they'd like to see India win their remaining games while the surprising USA suffers defeats. This scenario would keep Pakistan's qualification hopes alive.
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