The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday came out in support of underfire captain Babar Azam and the team management after it suffered three consecutive defeats at the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
While also acknowledging the “emotions and sentiments” of fans, the PCB, in a statement, expressed hope that the fans would continue to support Babar Azam and his side in a “challenging environment”.
“The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures,” PCB said in a statement.
Commenting on the media scrutiny, the board said that “successes and defeats are part of the game”. “Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023,” said the PCB.
Meanwhile, it further said that in future it would “make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup”.
“At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event,” said the PCB.
The Babar Azam-led side is currently placed fifth in the points-table after suffered defeats at the hands of Afghanistan, Australia, and arch-rivals India. The Green Brigade now need to win all of their remaining games for keeping their chance to qualify for the semi-finals of ongoing marquee tournament alive.
Pakistan will now take on a formidable South Africa at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 27.
They will next face Bangladesh on October 31 in Kolkata before facing New Zealand and Englnd on November 4 and 11 respectively.
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