📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
The T20 World Cup 2024 kicked off with a thrilling match between Pakistan and the United States of America (USA) that ended in a super over, leaving Pakistan on the losing side. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, faced immense scrutiny for his decisions during the game as the Men in Green suffered a defeat against the hosts.
During the game, Mohammad Amir, a key player for Pakistan, advised Babar Azam to stick with fast bowlers due to the opposition’s struggles against pacers. However, Babar Azam chose to bring in spinner Shadab Khan instead, a decision that backfired as the move resulted in crucial runs for the USA batters.
Amir’s advice was seen as crucial, especially considering his success in the previous overs where he restricted the scoring effectively. The match eventually led to a super over, where Pakistan’s tactical errors further came to light.
Post-match reports from GEO News suggested that Babar Azam’s decision-making and dictatorial mindset were sources of concern among the team members. It was reported that some players were unhappy with Babar Azam’s unilateral decision-making and lack of receptiveness to suggestions from teammates.
The situation escalated as some key players were allegedly in tears in the dressing room after the loss. Additionally, there were speculations that Azam Khan might be excluded from the upcoming XI due to his recent struggles, including a golden duck in the game against the USA.
Looking ahead, Pakistan faces a tough challenge against arch-rivals India on 9th June in New York. The match will test Babar Azam’s leadership and decision-making under pressure, as the team aims to bounce back from their disappointing start to the T20 World Cup campaign.