Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has returned to practice in Lahore following the Men in Green's early exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan had a disappointing campaign in the showpiece as they were knocked out in the group stage owing to their loses against the USA and India.
With USA securing Super 8 berth after their final group stage fixture against Ireland was washed out due to rain, the Men in Green's drought to win the T20 World Cup triumph continued. Following their exit from the tournament, only a few Pakistan players returned home with a cold reception. Babar Azam and other players found the courage to return to Pakistan.
Just a few days after returning to Pakistan, Babar Azam got back to his work at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. In a video that went viral on social media, Pakistan skipper can be seen driving his Audi E-Tron with MJ's 'Beat It' music on and entering the academy.
Apart from Pakistan's disappointing campaign, Babar Azam has been criticized not just for his captaincy but also for his performances and strike rate in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Babar Azam had a torrid outing as he could score only 122 runs at an average of 40.66 and a strike rate of 101.66 in four matches. His best performance came against the USA, where he scored 44 off 43 balls at a strike rate of 102.32.
Pakistan to return to action for Australia tour
After the exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan have begin their practice for the Tour of Australia, consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is. The Men in Green played the Test series against Australia, but was whitewashed by home team 3-0.
Following the Australia tour, Pakistan will travel to South Africa to play for 3 ODIs, as many T20Is and one-off Test in December. The Men in Green will be focusing more on ODIs as part of their preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan.
WIth a shock exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, the question on Babar Azam's white-ball captaincy still looms. Neither Pakistan Cricket Board and Babar have yet spoken about his captaincy future.
