T20 World Cup 2024: 'Time To Remove The King' - Former Pakistan Cricketer Questions Babar Azam's Captaincy

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Former Pakistan cricketer Sikander Bakht has called for the removal of "the king" after Babar Azam failed to deliver a title as a captain in four ICC tournaments since 2021.

Babar's side were eliminated from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the group stages after Friday's match between USA and Ireland was washed out. USA, who beat Pakistan earlier in the tournament, qualified for the Super 8s ahead of the 2009 champions.

Pakistan, who kept their hopes alive with a victory over Canada, will make an early exit from the tournament before they even play their final group stage game against Ireland after defeats to USA and arch-rivals India in Group A.

Following the team's exit, several former cricketers called for a proper review of the side, while Sikandar Bakht took an aim at Babar in particular, calling the star batter "not captain material".

The former cricketer also shared his reaction to Geo News via his social media handle with the caption: "Babar Azam failed again to proceed in the WC from 2021 todate he lost six titles, Now we have to remove the KING."

Babar has failed to lead Pakistan to a trophy in his four attempts in ICC tournaments, having led the team to a runners up finish in 2022 T20 World Cup as best. In 2021 T20 World Cup, Babar's side had reached the semi-final.

However, in the two World Cups since then, Pakistan has failed to reach the second round in the two show-piece tournaments. While they finished fifth in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan have failed to qualify for Super 8 in T20 World Cup 2024.

Babar had in fact resigned from the role following Pakistan's failure to qualify for the ODI World Cup semi-final last year, but he was reappointed skipper earlier this year in all three formats.

There is call for serious retrospect now with PCB chief hinting that the team requires a major surgery, which could mean Babar could be axed from the role once again alongside several other changes.

Babar, however, holds the record for most wins as captain in T20Is, having led the side to victory in 47 of 84 matches. He also owns the record for most runs in the format with 4113 runs in 115 innings.

Pakistan will look to finish the tournament on a high before any surgery happens as they prepare to face Ireland in their final group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2024.