'We'll go for major surgery': PCB chief ready for drastic measures, Babar Azam to be axed again?

Pakistan were embarrassed once again at the world stage as they lost a highly winnable game against India in the group stage clash at T20 World Cup 2024 in Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. 

Failing to chase 120 runs in 20 overs on the back of an embarrassing defeat to associate nation of USA has invited a lot of criticism on skipper Babar Azam. And given the harsh remarks made by PCB chief it feels like Babar Azam’s days as Pakistan captain might be numbered once again.  

Pakistan 6 run defeat against India means that their chances for qualifying into the Super 8 stage are bleak and a premature shock exit looms for the 2022 T20 World Cup finalists. Babar Azam and his team are with 0 points after their first two games in what has been a humiliating campaign so far. 

Also Read | PAKISTAN's QUALIFICATION SCENARIO: How can Pakistan qualify for T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s?

PCB Chief lashes out at Pakistan after loss to India 

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi did not hold back any punches and lashed out at the team in a scathing criticism after the loss against India. Mohsin Naqvi made it clear that he made a mistake thinking they can succeed under the same captain and with the similar team but instead they require a major overhaul. 

"I thought the team required minor surgery to start winning matches but now it appears that we have to go for major surgery. It is very disappointing the way we lost to the USA and now this loss to India. We need to now start looking at players beyond those in the team right now. Why the team is not performing is something everyone is asking. The World Cup is still on. But obviously we will sit down and take a look at everything.”Mohsin Naqvi was quoted saying to Pakistani media. 

These statements suggest that the PCB is looking for a major overhaul in the team and the first domino to fall will be that of skipper Babar Azam. Babar Azam who was sacked as captain after the ODI World Cup in 2023 and then reinstated a few months later might face the sack once again given the team’s woeful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. 

Pakistan have shot themselves in the foot and need to win their remaining two games in the group stages and hope  that either of India and USA lose their remaining two games. Pakistan will look for redemption when they face Canada next in New York in their third group stage fixture at T20 World Cup 2024.