Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim said that the nation will forgive Babar Azam if he wins the World Cup for the country and his comments came amid harsh criticism levelled at Pakistan skipper’s captaincy. The Men in Green have now dropped three straight games in the league stage, putting them in serious trouble in the tournament.
There are rumours that PCB is considering firing Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam if the team doesn’t advance to the World Cup semifinals. Pakistan’s prospects of finishing in the top four seem bleak in the wake of their losses to Afghanistan, Australia, and India.
On a Pakistani television show called “Harna Mana Hai”. In response to a fan’s proposal that Babar Azam should apologize to Imad Wasim, all-around player Imad responded by saying that if Babar could win the ODI World Cup, the nation would forgive him and feels that the Pakistan skipper hasn’t stepped up for the team since the 2019 World Cup.
‘If Babar Azam wins us the World Cup, the whole nation will forgive him. It’s not about asking for forgiveness from me, it’s about winning the tournament only,” Imad added.
“At the world stage, there’s pressure, but it’s also the platform where you prove your worth. I think the last time Babar performed in a significant match was against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup when he scored a century. However, since then, he has not been able to secure a significant victory for Pakistan. This isn’t a criticism but a fact,” Imad Wasim said.
Pakistan suffered a major upset in the World Cup on Monday, losing to Afghanistan by eight wickets. This was their third consecutive loss in the tournament, following defeats against Australia and India. Babar Azam, the captain of the team, faced criticism for his tactics after the poor performances of the team in the ongoing World Cup.
Babar Azam Has The Potential To Dominate Bowlers – Imad Wasim
Imad Wasim says that Babar Azam has the capability to take on the bowlers and urged him to adapt to the different conditions. The all-rounder went on to explain that as the team’s captain and leading batsman, people would question him if he didn’t perform.
“Being the number one batsman in ODIs, it is Babar’s responsibility to secure victories. Questions will naturally arise if he fails to do so. He needs to adapt his batting style according to the team’s requirements. He has the potential to dominate bowlers, and this World Cup is the ideal opportunity for him to showcase that ability,” Imad Wasim added.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will try to groom a new generation of players following the 2023 ODI World Cup in light of their disappointing showing at the major tournament. The Men in Green’s next match is scheduled against South Africa on Friday.
