T20 World Cup 2024: Ex-Pakistan players don't expect much from Babar Azam's Pakistan

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Although a ball hasn't been bowled yet in the T20 World Cup, some of their former players have already ruled them out of the tournament.

Pakistan lost a T20I in Ireland and then suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat in England this week. Before that, they drew 2-2 at home against a second-string New Zealand side.

And amid this, some of the former Pakistan stars are not putting a lot of hopes on the team.

"They are not getting their combination right, which is their biggest problem. Not only shuffle, but players need to be prepared to play at floating roles now in T20 cricket as per the match situation," former captain Rashid Latif said recently.

The legendary Javed Miandad is banking on the unpredictability factor. Inconsistency has been a constant factor in the Pakistan side but Miandad reckons they will have to be on their toes to be successful in the T20 format.

"They are unpredictable and always seem to do well in these T20 World Cups. But yes, they need to definitely improve in some areas quickly because, with a 20-team event, you can't afford to relax even in one game," Miandad was quoted as saying by PTI.

Many cricket fans are not happy with the selection or performance of Azam Khan, who was dismissed cheaply at the Oval and dropped two catches. Azam, who is the son of former player Moin Khan, has been accused of nepotism as fans have demanded a change in his place.

Some officials in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are worried that if the team doesn't reach the World Cup semi-finals, the fan base will take a big hit, which would not help the board in its preparations for the Champions Trophy next year.

"If the team does not perform well, it is no secret it has a big effect on the number of sponsors and broadcasters lining up to invest in Pakistan cricket," a PCB official said.

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has advised captain Babar Azam to drop down to no. 3 in the batting order. He believes Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman must bat along with Mohammad Rizwan at the top.

"I think Babar just needs to bat at number three, and they should make Saim (Ayub) or Fakhar (Zaman) open with Mohammad Rizwan," suggested former player Basit Ali.

Pakistan is slotted in Group A along with USA, Ireland, Canada and India. Their opening match is agianst USA in Dallas on June 6.

(with PTI inputs)