Babar Azam Tried His Best, but Team Didn’t Step Up: Ramiz Raja

Ex-cricketer Ramiz Raja has given Babar Azam’s captaincy a score of five out of 10 following Pakistan’s early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. He also rated the team’s batting and bowling performances at two and six, respectively.

Pakistan were knocked out of the ongoing T20 World Cup ahead of the Super Eights. Wins against Canada and Ireland in Group A were not enough, as defeats by the USA and India resulted in their early exit from the tournament.

While speaking on Star Sports, Ramiz Raja was requested to evaluate Pakistan’s batting and bowling, as well as Babar Azam’s leadership, out of 10. Here’s what he said:

“Batting would be probably a two and bowling probably a six. I would rate him (Babar) about five because a captain is as good as the team and your captaincy comes through when the team is bowling, and in the bowling department, Pakistan have not done too badly. He tried his best but the others had to put in an effort as well.”

Ramiz Raja also pointed out the team’s mistake in recalling retired players Mohammed Amir and Imad Wasim for a crucial tournament like the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“There was no consistency in selection. Their preparation was hotchpotch because they didn’t know who was going to open the innings. They were in that experimental mode for a very long time. Then they had to recall retired players. Even though they have been good in patches, what does it tell of the system?” Ramiz Raja added.

Several players, including captain Babar Azam, have not yet returned to Pakistan as they are vacationing in London and plan to return afterwards.