PCB urges fans to support Babar Azam's Pakistan cricket team, hints at change in guards after World Cup 2023

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released an official statement on Wednesday in support of captain Babar Azam and his team featuring in the World Cup 2023 in India. The board has urged the former cricketers and fans to support Babar Azam's Pakistan after their three defeats on the trot.

The Pakistan team won their first two matches before losing to India, Australia and Afghanistan. Their eight-wicket defeat against Afghanistan, has irked fans and former Pakistan cricketers who have minced no words in publicly slamming the Men in Green.

Shahid Afridi took an open shot at Babar Azam's captaincy, while Wasim Akram slammed the team for their low fitness standards, claiming that they eat 8 kgs of mutton everyday. Several reports have also suggested that Babar Azam would be soon sacked as Pakistan captain.

"The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team," the PCB said in its report.

"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.

"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is 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," it added.

PCB hints at captaincy change after World Cup 2023

Further, the PCB hinted towards a change in guards after the World Cup 2023. It's very unlikely that Pakistan will now qualify for the World Cup 2023 semi-final, and the board is set to take a call after analysing the performance of Babar Azam's team at the marquee event.

"Looking ahead, the board will 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."

The Pakistan team earlier failed to qualify for the final of the Asia Cup 2023. They will face an upbeat South African side in their next match of the World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27.