Midway through the World Cup, Pakistan's men's cricket team has already shown signs of transformation. While there were reports of the sacking of Babar Azam and four candidates being shortlisted to replace him if Pakistan does not reach the semi-final stage, now Pakistan team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi has been called back home.
As per a report by Pakistan's geosupertv, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sent its media consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson to India. Umar Farooq will be the Pakistan team's media manager for the remainder of the World Cup.
Earlier, amidst reports of rifts inside the Pakistan dressing room, PCB released a statement to back the Men in Green as they are yet to be out of the semi-final race.
“The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team,” the PCB said in a press release.
“The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures.
“Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.
“Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event.”
Pakistan will take on Temba Bavuma-led South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai in a must-win game. They are currently sixth on the points table after a hat-trick of defeats and a negative Net Run Rate (NRR).
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