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The Babar Azam-led Men in Green did not have a great outing in their recently concluded tour of England. Pakistan, who travelled from Ireland after the completion of the three-match T20I series, suffered a 2-0 series loss against the Jos Buttler-led side with two of the matches getting washed out due to rain. After being handed a 23-run loss in the second T20I, the side sustained a humiliating seven-wicket loss in the final T20I in London.
Post their series defeat and seeing the T20 World Cup 2024 ahead, their captain Babar Azam faced the heat, including question on the inclusion of Azam Khan in the team’s lineup. It is to be noted that the wicketkeeper-batter is facing a wrath from fans and cricket pundits from all around for his poor performance. However, Azam stood by Khan, highlight how the media scrutinizes a lot of things.
Speaking at the post-match presser after the conclusion of the fourth T20I, pin-pointed how the media scrutiny occurs after a player is selected or not. Amidst this, he also urged to back the players in the side as they gear up for a big tournament like the T20 World Cup 2024. “When we don’t select a player, you ask us why did we not select him. And then when we select him, you ask us why was he selected. We need to back out players who have been selected and support them,” Babar Azam said during the post-match press conference.
Watch Babar Azam’s stern reply on journalist questioning player’s inclusion:
Pakistan are placed in Group A in the T20 World Cup 2024, alongside arch-rivals India, Ireland, Canada and the co-hosts USA. The Babar Azam-led side will begin their campaign at the marquee tournament on June 6 at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas as they take on co-hosts USA. However, their much-awaited clash against India is scheduled to be played on June 9 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
