Halfway through the 2023 World Cup, the PCB has urged the fans to stand behind the Pakistan team and their captain Babar Azam.
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With two wins in five matches, Pakistan are now fifth in the points table of the 2023 World Cup, and still have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. Yet, there has been a steady sense of disgruntlement among the cricket fraternity, while voices suggesting captain Babar Azam’s potential sacking also intensifying.
One can see why. Pakistan’s two wins have come against Sri Lanka – whose only win have come against the Netherlands, and the Netherlands, following which they have lost consecutive matches, against India, Australia, and for the first time in the format, Afghanistan.
To qualify, Pakistan may have to win all four matches: against second-placed South Africa, third-placed New Zealand, and defending champions England, along with Bangladesh, who finished above Pakistan at the Asia Cup in September.
On October 26, the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement where they acknowledged “the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans” following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023.
They also hoped that “the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team.”
The release pointed out that the team “still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage,” and expressed optimism that they “will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures.”
While reminding everyone that “successes and defeats are part of the game,” the PCB also confirmed that Babar and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq both had “freedom and support” while forming the World Cup squad.
The PCB also assured all that “looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup.” It is not clear whether they hinted at the future of the stints of Babar or Inzamam, or at a squad overhaul.
However, for the moment, they requested the “fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event.”
