Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has hinted at replacing Babar Azam as the ODI captain following the ongoing 2023 World Cup in India. The PCB issued a detailed statement on October 26th (Thursday), encouraging the fans and stakeholders to get behind the team and hopes to see them stage a good comeback.
Contrary to expectations, Pakistan's performances have been far from impressive in the ongoing 2023 World Cup. They won the first two games, but plummeted to three consecutive defeats, including an eight-wicket loss against Afghanistan on Monday in Chennai. Hence, a group-stage exit looks highly likely for them.
On Thursday, the PCB issued a statement hoping the national team has learned its lessons and will deliver an improved performance in the remaining games of the tournament.
"The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team."
"The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures."
"Babar Azam and Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support" - PCB
PCB's statement further suggested that Pakistan's struggles in the World Cup is a collective failure and they might have to take some drastic decisions in the future.
"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023."
"Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event."
The 1992 World Cup-winners will next face South Africa on October 27th in Chennai.
