Wasim Akram Criticizes Babar Azam-led Pakistan Team for Poor Performance Against India in T20 World Cup 2024

New York – June 10, 2024 – Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed strong criticism of the current men’s senior team, led by Babar Azam, following their disappointing performance against India in a T20 World Cup 2024 match on Sunday. Despite being in a commanding position for much of the match, Pakistan’s middle-order batting collapse led to their defeat while chasing a modest total of 120 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan were positioned at 80/4 in 14 overs, needing just 40 runs off 36 balls to secure a victory over their arch-rivals. However, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s return for his second spell proved decisive. Bumrah dismissed Mohammad Rizwan (31) and Iftikhar Ahmed (5) in the 15th and 19th overs, respectively, restricting Pakistan to 113/7 in 20 overs.

India clinched the match by six runs, turning the tables after being on the back foot earlier in the game.

Akram, delivering his verdict on the Pakistan team, condemned the senior batters’ lack of game awareness.

“Pakistan doesn’t need an enemy; they are enough themselves. Should we put a pacifier in their mouths? Do we have to explain to them what situational awareness is? Babar will explain, the coach will explain,” Akram said on Star Sports.

“These batsmen have been playing for the last 8-10 years. Should I tell Rizwan that the main bowler has come for one over, to take a wicket? You didn’t hit a boundary after 10 overs. Didn’t even try. So even 120 couldn’t be chased,” he added.

The former pacer further lamented that supporting the Pakistan team has become “embarrassing.”

“It has started to become embarrassing. As a Pakistani, I want to back the Pakistan team. But there’s a limit to everything,” Akram stated.

Pakistan has faced defeats against co-hosts USA and India in their first two Group A matches of the tournament. Their prospects of advancing to the Super Eight stage appear bleak after these consecutive losses. Pakistan’s next match is against Canada in New York on Tuesday.