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PCB Issues Clarification Over Babar Azam Criticism For World Cup 2023 Defeat To AFG

Aakash Saini

image-lpcleijvBabar Azam during a training session for Pakistan (x.com)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a clarification for seemingly hitting out at team’s World Cup 2023 captain Babar Azam after their humiliating loss to Afghanistan. Last month, the cricket board had found itself embroiled in controversy after they made a press release which targeted Babar and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq for the team’s disappointing result.

Drawing heavy backlash from fans and cricket experts alike, the PCB Director of Media has stated that the board was not trying to tarnish anyone’s reputation.

PCB clarifies after blaming Babar Azam for defeat

Pakistan cricket team, under Babar Azam, crashed out of the World Cup 2023 semifinals race despite having registered two emphatic wins upfront. The ‘Men in Green’ lost successive matches to India, Australia, South Africa and even to Afghanistan at one stage of the tournament, which eventually led to their early elimination.

A day after coping an eight-wicket larruping at the hands of lower-seeded Afghanistan in Chennai, the PCB had issued a post-match press release where they urged fans to rally behind the team. However, they also stated that then skipper Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given full freedom and support for forming their World Cup squad.

The statement drew heavy backlash from fans and cricket experts alike, with several of them claiming that the board was directly or indirectly blaming captain Babar for team’s downfall.

A week after the conclusion of the tournament, PCB Director of Media Aalia Rasheed has claimed that the board was not trying to tarnish Babar’s reputation. Aalia said:

“One thing I want to make clear is that the PCB never, for once, criticized Babar Azam or the team during the World Cup nor did they try to hold Azam responsible for the losses.”

Following Pakistan’s disappointing World Cup 2023 campaign in India, Babar Azam has now relinquished captaincy from all formats. The PCB eventually appointed Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood as Babar’s replacements in T20Is and Tests respectively.

The Pakistani batting veteran will next be seen in action for his side in their upcoming three-match Test tour of Australia, slated to commence on December 14 in Perth.