Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 as they had lost the first two Group A matches against the United States and India.
The Green Shirts' qualification to the Super 8 was dependent on the USA losing to the Ireland. However, the match was washed out, with both teams getting equal points.
The co-hosts qualified to the next round as they had five points. The USA played three matches out of which they won two and lost one. Meanwhile, Pakistan had only managed to win one match and had two points.
Following the elimination from the mega tournament, Pakistani cricketers and fans are not satisfied with the performance of the team.
'Rizwan, Babar busy making own records'
Cricketer Ahmed Shehzad blasted Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan, saying that they are the biggest reason for the team's elimination.
“Rizwan and Babar were so busy making their own (personal) records that they destroyed the team. It was the biggest mistake to re-appoint Babar Azam as a captain.
“After losing the match, they’re just left saying that we’ll be learning from our mistakes, when is that going to happen?” he lambasted.
Speaking about the alleged grouping in the team, Shehzad said that grouping of six or eight people is the biggest issue. "If you’ll not crack down the groups, then the team will not be formed. Along with the 'fake king', these groups should be dismissed from the team," he added.
"If the selectors consider me as a great fit for the team, then I’m available. These cricketers are not capable of playing for the international cricket,” Shehzad said.
'Problem with middle-order'
Moreover, former cricketer Imran Nazir and Imam-ul-Haq also put forth their opinions over the elimination of the team from the tournament.
“The USA were promoted to the Super Eight because they deserved this. Pakistan team played under so much pressure that they were not capable of being promoted to the Super Eight,” Nazir said.
“The Men in Green didn’t play well, there’s a lot of problem with our spinners and middle-order. The domestic cricketers should be motivated instead,” Imam said.
- Ahmed Shehzad
