Pakistan captain Babar Azam stated that he hasn’t considered his future as captain despite the criticism following the team’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Lahore-born player mentioned that he will leave the decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board and will accept whatever they decide.
The Men in Green concluded their campaign with a tense consolation win over Ireland on Sunday in Florida but were eliminated in the group stage. Pakistan’s hopes were dashed after a loss to the USA in Dallas, despite having a strong chance against India.
They faltered in a run chase of 120, nearly ensuring their elimination as co-hosts USA and India advanced. In a press conference after Sunday’s game, Babar mentioned that he is unsure why the PCB reinstated him as captain after he resigned following the 2023 World Cup.
However, the 29-year-old promised not to avoid responsibility if he has to step down again. He was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo as saying:
“When I gave up the captaincy (in 2023), I thought that I shouldn’t be doing it now, that’s why I left it and I announced it myself. Then when they gave it back to me, it was the decision of the PCB.”
“When I go back, we will discuss all that has happened here. And if I have to leave the captaincy, I will announce it openly. I will not hide behind anything. Whatever happens will happen in the open. But for now, I have not thought about it. It is eventually PCB’s decision.”
Pakistan’s middle order struggled throughout the campaign. The 2009 World T20 champions lost to India despite needing just 48 runs from 48 balls with eight wickets in hand. In the match against Ireland, they slumped to 62-6 while chasing 107 but managed to secure a three-wicket victory.
‘We weren’t good as a team’: Babar Azam on Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam outlined the future strategy following his team’s unexpected early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s fate in the tournament was sealed after consecutive defeats against co-hosts USA and their fierce rivals India in their first two group games.
Although Pakistan rebounded with two consecutive wins, it wasn’t enough to secure a place in the Super 8. They wrapped up their campaign with a tense three-wicket victory over Ireland on Sunday. Babar recognized the team’s talent but admitted they failed to perform as a cohesive unit.
“We have a good bunch of players. We’ve to go home, chat and see where we lack, and then come back. Couldn’t finish off close games, as a team we weren’t good as a team,” Babar was quoted as saying by ANI during the post-match presentation.
“We finished well. We took early wickets in the bowling. In the batting, we did not do well, but we took it home with the tailenders. Bowling was good as conditions suited our fast bowlers.”
“Batting, we made a few mistakes, we had chances to win against USA and India. If the team needs me to open, I will, and if they need me to bat 3, I will. Whatever the team situation suits, I will do it,” Babar emphasized.
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