Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, has returned to Lahore following the national team’s disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup. After a journey from New York via Dubai, Azam is scheduled to meet with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the team’s performance and future plans.
While several players had already returned home earlier, Azam was among those who stayed longer in the United Arab Emirates amidst harsh criticism. His return coincides with fellow players Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, and Mohammad Amir, who also extended their stay.
The team’s strained relationship with the public came to a head when a viral video surfaced showing Haris Rauf in a confrontation with a fan, reflecting the mounting frustrations and criticisms faced by the squad.
In the wake of Pakistan’s underwhelming campaign, former cricketers Basit Ali and Shoaib Akhtar have openly criticized both the team’s performance and the administrative decisions surrounding it. Their remarks have sparked further debate about the future of Pakistan cricket and the necessary reforms needed to regain competitiveness on the international stage.
As Babar Azam prepares for discussions with PCB officials, the nation waits with anticipation to see how Pakistan cricket charts its path forward after this significant setback.