Despite a subpar performance by the Pakistan team in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to retain Babar Azam as the national side’s white-ball captain, sources revealed to Geo News on Thursday.
Team Performance and Prospective Changes
While Babar Azam will continue his captaincy, changes in the team lineup are anticipated due to the disappointing performance in the tournament. The Men in Green have faced two losses so far, one against the United States and another against their arch-rivals, India, on June 9. Additionally, the team struggled against Canada on June 11, only managing to chase a modest 107-run target in 17.3 overs.
Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the Super 8 stage are now uncertain and depend on the outcomes of other teams’ matches.
PCB’s Stance and Future Plans
The decision to keep Babar as the captain comes after PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a conversation with Geo News, called for national support for the team during the T20 World Cup. Naqvi urged the public to rally behind the team despite the current setbacks.
“The consultation is ongoing, and it is not appropriate to discuss [the matter] further at this juncture,” Naqvi stated in an exclusive interview with Geo News outside the Parliament House on Wednesday.
Earlier this week, Naqvi had voiced his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly after their defeat against India. He suggested that the team might need significant changes to improve.
Chairman’s Perspective
Naqvi had previously indicated that the team’s poor showing suggested the need for a “major surgery” rather than minor adjustments. “It seemed that a minor surgery would work, but after this bad performance, I’m now sure that a major surgery is required. The nation will soon see a major overhaul,” he asserted.