Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam has reaffirmed his commitment to leading the team, despite their early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (WC) 2024 at the group stage. Azam emphasized that the decision to appoint or remove a captain lies with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In a press conference after Pakistan’s consolation win against Ireland at Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, Babar explained that the team’s overall performance, not just his captaincy, led to their early exit. He stated, “The team lost because the other 10 players did not perform well in their roles. It wasn’t solely the captain’s fault.”
Addressing the team’s performance, Babar mentioned, “The responsibility cannot be fixed on the selectors or any single person. The entire squad of 15 did not play to their potential. The middle order batting was particularly reckless with their wickets, and overall, we performed only in patches.”
Reflecting on his leadership track record, Babar noted, “I led the team to the semi-final and final of the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup on three different occasions. I accept the responsibility for our poor performance in the T20 World Cup in the United States, but it was a collective failure.”
Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super Eight stage after losses to co-hosts USA and India in their initial matches. The USA advanced due to a rain-affected match against Ireland, which earned them a crucial point. Pakistan ended their campaign with four points from two wins in the group stage matches. The inclement weather and playing conditions in the USA were also factors that affected many matches.
Discussing the conditions, Babar, the top run-getter in T20Is, said, “The pitches in the USA were more bowler-friendly. They should have been balanced for both batting and bowling. Often, the toss decided the match outcomes.” He also pointed out the early match start times, stating, “The matches began too early considering the moist conditions. Starting later would have mitigated the advantage bowlers had due to morning moisture.”
Regarding the team’s exit, Babar shared that both the team and coaching staff were disappointed with their performance, emphasizing that they lost as a team. He plans to discuss the team’s performance with PCB management upon returning to Pakistan.
Babar praised bowlers Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim for their efforts, particularly Amir’s performance with the new and old ball. However, he did not hold back in criticizing the batsmen for their lack of patience and poor shot selection, especially during power plays.
He stressed the importance of game awareness and adaptability, saying, “Cricket has evolved over the past decade, and players need to evolve with it. Game awareness and common sense are crucial for a cricketer.”
Babar highlighted the significance of early wickets in their win against Ireland, stating, “Early wickets set the course of the match. The bowlers’ performance was key to our victory.”
Apologizing to fans for the team’s early exit, Babar thanked them for their unwavering support, noting their strong turnout during the last group match at Lauderhill, Florida.
