"Optimistic that team will overcome setbacks": PCB backs Babar Azam, players after criticism over defeats

Pakistan, who were among the favourites before the start of the tournament, have suffered three consecutive defeats and the loss to India and to Afghanistan has particularly rankled the fans.

Pakistan now have a steep task ahead to make it to the semi-finals. The PCB noted that the Pakistan team has four more matches and expressed confidence that the players will overcome setbacks.

"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," said the statement issued on Thursday.

"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," it added.

PCB noted that successes and defeats are part of the game.

"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of 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," the statement said.

The board also announced that it would "make decisions in the best interests of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup".

"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," it said.

Pakistan is fifth in the points table, having suffered defeats at the hands of Afghanistan, Australia, and India. The Men in Green will take on South Africa on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Babar Azam, at present the highest-ranked ODI player in the world, has also not been best of form in the World Cup having scored 157 runs at an average of 31.40 in five games in the marquee tournament.(ANI)