The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday backed its squad which is participating in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
Pakistan have their backs against the wall after facing three back-to-back defeats during the mega event, which has made their path to the semi-finals difficult.
Amid criticism from former cricketers and fans, the PCB has urged the cricket fraternity to back the Men in Green ahead of remaining World Cup matches.
“The 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 PCB said in a press release.
“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 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.”
The Green Shirts will now play South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand and England – all the games are now must win for them, if they want to qualify for the semis.
Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 matches
October 27 - vs South Africa in Chennai
October 31 - vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
November 4 - vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
November 11 - vs England in Kolkata
Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.
Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan