Babar Azam is depressed and frustrated and reveals Ramiz Raja ahead of ENG vs PAK Clash

Babar Azam was not in top form during the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 as everyone expected. Pakistan will play England at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

Babar Azam during Pakistan’s training session at Eden Gardens. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja revealed that national team captain Babar Azam is depressed and frustrated after the Men in Green’s performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan, with four wins from eight matches , are virtually out of the semi-final category and will play England in their final league match on Saturday at the Eden Gardens in Calcutta.

Before the match, Babar met Ramiz at the Eden Gardens on Friday, in the middle of Pakistan’s training. When asked what Babar was about, Ramiz said the Pakistani players are hurt by the criticism they have received from home.

“It was not a nominated meeting. I did a show for the ICC at the nets. It was a chance meeting. There were no specific plans for this meeting with Babar,” Raza told SUNO NEWS.
“Babar looked depressed and sounded frustrated as Pakistan failed to qualify for the World Cup semi-final,” the former Pakistani cricketer added.

Ramiz even lashed out at the Pakistani journalists, claiming that their actions had affected the national team’s cricket. “Pakistani players have felt the reaction from home. PCB and journalists play an important role, but the majority play a negative role. In the age of social media, it is difficult to deal with it. In fact, some journalists on agenda are attacking players on city basis which has damaged Pakistan Cricket a lot. We live with a tribal mentality,” he added.

The 61-year-old also praised Babar for keeping his cool during the pre-match press conference. “Babar is a mature captain with a good temperament who handles his anger very well. Pakistan cricket team is losing and it is unbearable that people are commenting.

“If I had been in Babar’s place, I would have given tough answers at the press conference. I think as critic we need to introspect,” Raza said. Meanwhile, according to Ramiz, Babar talked to him about his future as captain of Pakistan.

“Babar shared it with me, but this was a private conversation between us and I don’t want to make it public,” Ramiz said before adding that there is no need for drastic changes. “Pakistan Cricket does not have a system like India or Australia, which have great backup talent. We are obliged to use the current group of players carefully. No drastic changes are necessary.

“Pakistan Cricket takes time to move forward. I felt bad after talking to him,” he said.