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Pakistan‘s campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 ended in disappointment as they faced a shocking first-round exit after consecutive defeats against the United States of America (USA) and India.
Pakistan’s early exit from T20 World Cup 2024
Despite a victory against Canada, their hopes of advancing to the Super 8 were contingent on the outcome of the USA versus Ireland match. Unfortunately for Pakistan, the match ended in a no-result due to rain, allowing the USA to progress to the next round alongside India from Group A. The Babar Azam-led side managed to end their campaign on a slightly positive note with a three-wicket victory over Ireland in their final group-stage fixture. However, this win was merely a consolation as Pakistan’s early exit overshadowed any positives.
Wasim Akram’s critical remarks
Amid the turmoil, legendary pacer Wasim Akram expressed relief at not being involved with the national team, citing constant criticism and political upheaval within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as major deterrents. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Akram addressed the frequent changes in PCB leadership.
“Three chairmen changed in one year. Ramiz Raja was removed, and Najam Sethi came for three months. Sethi left, and Zaka Ashraf came. After four or five months, Mohsin Naqvi came. How would the team stay consistent?. They don’t take our suggestions, and it’s great that I am away from Pakistan cricket. It’s a ‘blessing in disguise’ because it is just criticism, politics,” Akram said.
Also READ: ‘Who was the Einstein who made Babar Azam captain?’ : Shoaib Akhtar rips apart Pakistan skipper after abysmal T20 World Cup 2024 performance
Call for stability
Akram further stressed the importance of stable leadership for the team’s success. The legendary pacer urged the PCB to adopt a more consistent approach to leadership and team management to build a stronger and more resilient squad for future tournaments.
“Babar Azam was removed from captaincy, Shaheen was appointed. He lost one series, and the chairman was also changed in the same period; therefore, they changed the skipper. This is just not on; people make fun of us in world cricket,” the 58-year-old added.
Akram’s familiar choice for captaincy
Akram highlighted the instability within the PCB and its detrimental impact on team consistency. The former captain emphasized the need for stability in leadership, suggesting that Shaheen Afridi should have been given more time to prove himself as captain. According to Akram, the frequent changes in leadership and management within the PCB create an environment of uncertainty that hinders the team’s performance and morale.
