'Pakistan Have Hit Rock Bottom' - Ramiz Raja Questions Babar's Captaincy
Former Pakistan cricketers continue to blame skipper Babar Azam's tactics for the team's lacklustre performances at the ICC World Cup 2023, with ex-opener Ramiz Raja becoming the latest to criticise the man's leadership and decision-making.
Ramiz, who has been doing commentary duties at the marquee tournament in India, lambasted Babar for decisions made in the last three matches where Pakistan have suffered painstaking defeats to arch-rivals India, Australia and now Afghanistan.
The defeat against an inexperienced Afghanistan side, especially the comprehensive nature with which the regional rivals brushed aside their much-fancied opposition in Chennai on Monday (October 23), hasn't gone down well with the Pakistan cricket fraternity.
Fans and experts have been taking potshots at the side striving to revive their sinking ship at the World Cup. Placed fifth in the campaign after five games, Pakistan not only have to secure major wins in all their remaining matches but also hope other results favour them significantly.
Ramiz Questions Babar's Captaincy
Speaking on his YouTube channel, however, Ramiz said one eye has to be on the future of Pakistan cricket and cast doubts on Babar's leadership by insisting the time is ripe to alter the DNA and approach of the side.
Ramiz said Pakistan had hit rock bottom in losing to Afghanistan in a memorable upset at Chepauk and the efforts in reviving the game in the country have to begin by appointing a new face at the helm of affairs.
"It was a massive disaster for Pakistan in this World Cup," Ramiz said. "Losing to Afghanistan will hurt badly. The disappointment was writ large on Babar Azam's face when I interviewed him... Pakistan have never dealt with a surprising defeat like this one before."
"After this World Cup, there has to be a serious discussion about altering the DNA of this team. They need a complete overhaul in terms of mindset, approach, new talent, and new ideas."
"We need to improve on each and every aspect. Pakistan have hit rock bottom. Babar Azam needs to step up and prove himself as a leader amid all this," he added.
The Men in Green, under Babar's leadership, are still in the competition with two wins and three losses. Their chances of making it to the semi-finals are as slim as it gets, however, if Pakistan could win all their remaining matches, they still can make to the top-four of the World Cup 2023.
 "Kashish Chadha")
