'They need a complete overhaul': Ramiz Raja lambasts Babar Azam's defensive approach in World Cup

In their ICC One-Day International World Cup match, Afghanistan beat Pakistan on Monday, October 23, 2023, in Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium. Babar Azam's team amassed 282 runs for seven wickets in 50 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat. Afghanistan took 49 overs to reach the mark and won by eight wickets. Pakistan have lost their third consecutive CWC match.

3 things you need to know

• Pakistan scored 282/7 off 50 overs
• In 49 overs, Afghanistan scored 286/2
• Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets with 6 balls remaining

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Ramiz Raja made a huge statement on Babar Azam

Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja is worried about Babar Azam's leadership after Afghanistan's stunning victory against Pakistan. PAK's chances of advancing past the group stage at the 2023 World Cup in India have been reduced significantly after this loss.

Ramiz said the team's performance under Babar's direction was poor because the players appeared "scared and underconfident" in their match against Afghanistan. Importantly, this was Afghanistan's first-ever victory over Pakistan in the 50-over format. Talking on his YouTube channel, he said:

“Pakistan have a lot of problems to deal with. Babar Azam needs to improve a lot tactically. Hasan Ali was getting the ball to reverse towards the back end of the innings. The equation was run-a-ball at that stage. Pakistan needed wickets, and Hasan Ali looked very close to getting a dismissal. What was the need to bowl a spinner from the other end?,”

“It was a massive disaster for Pakistan in this World Cup. Losing to Afghanistan will hurt badly. The disappointment was writ large on Babar Azam's face when I interviewed him... Pakistan have never dealt with a surprising defeat like this one before,”

"After this World Cup, there has to be a serious discussion about altering the DNA of this team. They need a complete overhaul in terms of mindset, approach, new talent, and new ideas. We need to improve on each and every aspect. Pakistan have hit rock bottom. Babar Azam needs to step up and prove himself as a leader amid all this,"

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Will Babar Azam be removed from captaincy?

According to PTI, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have emerged as the leading prospects to succeed Babar Azam as captain after the ODI World Cup. Pakistan has suffered a string of setbacks in the 2023 World Cup. Babar and his side are presently 5th in the World Cup points rankings, with three losses and two victories. Pakistan, headed by Babar, will play against South Africa in their forthcoming encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 27, 2023.