Pakistan was eliminated from the T20 World Cup earlier this week after suffering a first-round defeat. Their survival depended on Ireland beating hosts USA, but the match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled, sealing USA’s place in the Super Eight. Pakistan suffered a shock defeat to USA in their opening match and then a dramatic six-run defeat to India last week.
Pakistan’s star players, led by captain Babar Azam, have faced harsh criticism from former cricketers for their poor performance in the tournament. On Sunday, Bangladesh’s star opener Tamim Iqbal also posted about Pakistan’s elimination and expressed his disappointment that his team could not progress. He also sent a message to former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
“Sad to see Pakistan eliminated from the T20 World Cup. Hopefully next time they will do better and seniors like @SAfridiOfficial will show them the way,” Iqbal wrote.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to take strict action against Pakistani players upon their return. PTI, Pakistan cricketers face the possibility of their central contracts being reviewed by the PCB and their salaries being cut following their early elimination from the tournament.
A committee source told the news agency that some officials and former players had recommended to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi that he review the central contracts given to players during the tenure of his predecessor Zaka Ashraf. The recommendation comes as part of a wider effort to address the team’s disappointing performance and implement necessary reforms.
Pakistan team grouping
The news agency also reported that the team is now split into three groups and captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammed Rizwan may be unhappy with each other over leadership issues. Shaheen was removed from the Pakistan captaincy for the limited-overs format earlier this year, with Babar reinstated in the role.
Meanwhile, Rizwan is reportedly upset that he is not being considered for leadership.
