PAK Vs SA: PCB Issues Big Statement Amid Pakistan’s World Cup Crisis

Pakistan cricket team’s captain Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given full freedom and support by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to select the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, said PCB in a statement on Thursday, October 26.

This comes after three consecutive defeats for the team in the Cricket World Cup, the latest of which was against Afghanistan, where they were hammered by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday, October 23.

In a Statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team.

The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures.

Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board’s stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game. Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event.

Earlier on Monday, the PCB released a statement diffusing rumours of a rift between the team members after the loss against Afghanistan. In that statement, the board said, “Contrary to rumours circulated by a certain section of the media, the PCB unequivocally assures that the team is cohesive and there is no evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims.”

“The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations,” it added further.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Australia immediately after the World Cup. The team also needs to plan for the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.