Ahmed Shehzad has expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s recent results, particularly in the T20 World Cup 2024, when Babar Azam’s squad has lost two straight matches against the USA and India, by following various Pakistani experts.
In his criticism of the 2022 finalists, who have appeared strange in the ninth iteration of the major tournament, the former Pakistani opener didn’t hold back. According to Shehzad, Pakistan has suffered defeats against “mediocre” teams while Babar was captain.
“Since Babar Azam took over as captain, we have been losing to average teams. I apologise for using this term. Teams se haar rahe hain.” The rate of advancement meant that these events were inevitable and would eventually occur.” During an appearance on a TV show, Shehzad made a statement that went popular on social media.
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Despite just needing to chase a 120-run target on a difficult field, Shehzad took a hard line at the seasoned combination of Babar and Mohammad Rizwan for their inability to lead their team over India, their bitter enemies.
“Some players have been leading the club for the past four to five years and making all of the decisions. Therefore, didn’t it fall on them to assume responsibility for seeing to it that the team chases down 120 in order to win such a crucial game against India?” Shahzad enquired.
Before Rizwan was removed by Jasprit Bumrah, Babar and Rizwan put up 26 runs for the first wicket in 4.4 overs. Pakistan found it difficult to switch up its strikes, and there weren’t many boundaries. In the end, the low-scoring thriller saw the 2009 winners lose by six runs.
“Aapne B, C, D teams ke khilaaf perform kar ke logon ko hallucinate kiya hai aur pagal banaya hai (you guys have performed against B, C, D teams and fooled the people),” Shehzad continued. “Your salaries were hiked, PCB paid you to evolve yourself and your cricket…”
About Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad said, “What should I do with this king who can’t win us the match?”
As he read out Babar’s statistics from a piece of paper to support his arguments, a displeased Shehzad kept hitting the right-hand batter. With a reference to the term “king,” which his supporters adore, Shehzad almost made fun of the Pakistani skipper.
“Your average is 27 and your strike rate is 112. Your (Babar) scores in big competitions.” Furthermore, 1400 of your runs have come in a losing cause—that ranks third in the world. Could you please clarify whose king these figures belong to? How should I handle this king who is incapable of winning the match?” stated Shehzad.
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The 29-year-old was also charged by Shehzad with misleading the Pakistani supporters and favouritism towards the players who are his pals.
“Everyone has been duped by you. You are forming a team with your pals and keeping them in the team, “Apne dosto ke saath team bana rahe hain, dosto ko team ke andar rakh rahe hain,” Shehzad remarked.