'Babar Looked Depressed And...' - Ramiz Raja Ahead Of Crucial ENG-PAK Clash
Babar Azam sitting during nets ahead of ENG-PAK (AP Photo)
Former Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja revealed contemporary skipper Babar Azam is feeling "depressed" and "frustrated" at his team's disappointing showings at the ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
The former PCB chairman said Babar has felt deeply hurt by the team's painstaking performances and also the heavy criticism they've endured from the media and former cricketers back home.
The past few weeks have turned into an opportunity for the Pakistani press and prominent cricketers, including discarded teammates, to grind their axe with Babar and company, who have been severely dissed for failing to secure a semifinal berth at the marquee competition on Indian shores.
Babar's own form has been subjected to huge anger and wrath of fans and popular faces within the Pakistan cricket fraternity even as the captain maintained hopes of the team winning the final league stage encounter versus England and playing for the rather unrealistic mathematic chance.
Ramiz Reveals Babar Dejected By Media Wrath
Babar was praised by former India opener Gautam Gambhir for showing a brave face in the pre-match press conference in Kolkata for the England clash and maintaining optimism that Pakistan can still pip New Zealand in the NRR count.
Ramiz, however, said he met a completely different man on the sidelines, one who was feeling let down by the press and cricketers not part of the existing World Cup contingent, aggrieved by their nasty remarks when the national side would've hoped for support.
"It was not a nominated meeting. I was doing a show for the ICC at the nets. It was a meeting by chance. There were no specific plans for this meeting with Babar," Ramiz told 'SUNO NEWS'.
"Pakistani players have felt the reaction from back home. PCB and journalists played an important role but the majority play a negative role. It is difficult to cope in the social media era."
"Babar is a mature captain with a good temperament who handles his anger very well. Pakistan Cricket Team is losing and people passing comments is unbearable. If I was in place of Babar, I would’ve given harsh answers in press conference. I think as a critic we need to introspect."
 "Kashish Chadha")
