KARACHI, June 11, 2024 — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the team management and performance of the Babar Azam-led side following a narrow six-run defeat against arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup. The remarks were reported by the Press Trust of India news agency on Monday.
Chasing a modest target of 120 runs, Pakistani batters struggled significantly, consuming 59 dot balls and ultimately being restricted to 113 for 7 in New York on Sunday.
“I thought the team required minor surgery to start winning matches but now it appears that we have to go for major surgery,” Mohsin was quoted as saying by the Pakistani media in New York.
Mohsin emphasized the need for a reassessment of the current squad and suggested considering players who have been sidelined. “It is very disappointing the way we lost to the USA and now this loss to India. We need to now start looking at players beyond those in the team right now,” he stated.
Since taking over as chairman in January and subsequently becoming the interior minister, Mohsin underscored that the PCB has made extensive efforts to support the players. Despite these efforts, the team’s performance remains a concern. “Why the team is not performing is something everyone is asking. The World Cup is still on. But obviously, we will sit down and take a look at everything.”
Pakistan’s chances of advancing to the Super Eight stage now hinge on securing substantial victories against Canada and Ireland, coupled with hoping for the USA to lose to India and Ireland. Even in this scenario, the teams would end up with four points each, making the net run-rate a critical factor.
With the World Cup progressing, the PCB faces mounting pressure to address the team’s performance issues and make strategic decisions to enhance their chances in the tournament.