T20 World Cup 2024: Ex Pakistan Cricketers With Differing Views After Babar Azam & Co's Early Exit

Former Pakistan cricketers had some differing views following Babar Azam & Co's failure to qualify for the Super 8 stage in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean.

Pakistan, who was one of the favourites to qualify for the next stage from Group A, suffered a stunning loss to the tournament co-hosts USA in their opener and followed that with a defeat to arch-rivals India, but kept their hopes of progress alive with a victory over Canada.

However, their hopes of a Super 8 spot from Group A ended on Friday (June 14) when USA vs Ireland match was abandoned due to rain. The result meant, USA clinched the second spot from Group A in their very first T20 World Cup appearance.

Following the news of Pakistan's early elimination, several fans and even former cricketers took to social media to react about the team's successive failure in a World Cup.

While former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq said it was disappointing and hearbreaking to see the team make an early exit, ex all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez took aim at higher officials and also posted a cryptic tweet, suggesting goats will be sacrificed.

Saqlain said there needs to be a proper retrospect by putting the country first before taking any action as PCB chairman had hinted Pakistan cricket required major surgery following defeat to India.

"It's very Saddening , heartbreaking and embarrassing to watch Pakistan Team exit from the super 8 of the T20 World Cup tournament," Saqlain posted on X.

"I really believe that we need to put Pakistan first before we take any actions and decisions and we should all reflect on each mistake we made, as individuals and collectively. Also which sort of errors we made. Again very disappointed and very upset."

Meanwhile, Hafeez, who has been very critical of Pakistan's squad selection and their performances in the showpiece event, said the higher officials are only take credit and not responsibility.

"Dilemma of Pakistan cricket * Higher officials take credits not responsibility*" Hafeez posted on X before sharing another post stating, "Qurbani Kay Janwar Hazir Hon", meaning the animals are present for sacrifice.

Former opener Ahmed Shehzad, who has also been vocal especially about Babar, also took to social media to state the deserving team has progressed from Group A.

"The deserving team is through to Super 8 round. If you're depending on Ireland to defeat someone, you seriously don't deserve to qualify. Don't think even "Kudrat Ka Nizam" works for those who are not deserving or ready to improve. All eyes on PCB chairman now!," Shehzad posted on X.