In a recent social media exchange, Iceland Cricket – famous for its playful taunts and witticisms – targeted Pakistan’s talismanic batter Babar Azam following his relinquishment of the team captaincy and the country’s lackluster performance at the Cricket World Cup 2023, where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
Amid widespread expectations and national fervor, Pakistan’s journey in the Cricket World Cup ended in dismay, leading to extensive criticism from fans and pundits alike. At the center of discussions was Babar Azam, whose bat spoke more of whispers than roars throughout the tournament. Accumulating 320 runs across nine matches, which computed to an average shy of 40, Babar’s underperformance is not something cricket enthusiasts expected from a batter of his caliber.
Seizing the moment with their hallmark humor, Iceland Cricket chimed in, replying to a social media post that asked, “What is something that still hasn’t gone back to normal after the pandemic?” Their jibe was pointed and clear: “The batting average of Babar Azam.” This lighthearted jab reverberated across social networks, sparking laughter and a tinge of sympathy for the star player whose captaincy tenure was also under heavy scrutiny.
Recently, after Pakistan’s unexpected defeat to Afghanistan in the World Cup, and a series of losses that relegated them to a fifth-place finish on the points table, a management shake-up was almost inevitable. Mickey Arthur, the team director, and Grant Bradburn, the head coach, were dismissed from their positions. Filling their roles is Pakistan’s former skipper Mohammad Hafeez. In an interesting turn of events, Wahab Riaz, a seasoned pacer, took upon the mantle of chief selector after Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down, emphasizing a clear preference for domestic cricket performers in light of the upcoming Test tour.
In preparation for the impending three-match Test series against Australia, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has charted a new course for leadership within the team. In the longer format, the baton of captaincy has been passed to Shan Masood, whereas the fast-paced T20I format will see Shaheen Afridi leading from the front.
Australia has historically been a challenging battleground for Pakistan’s cricket team, with their last victory on Australian soil dating back to 1995. They will embark on an arduous journey starting with the first Test in Perth on December 14. The itinerary includes the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the New Year’s Test in Sydney.
Pakistan’s squad sees a mix of seasoned players and debutantes in the Test arena. Uncapped fast bowler Khurram Shahzad earned his spot as the highest wicket-taker in the country’s primary first-class competition this year. Meanwhile, Saim Ayub, a promising left-hander, and Aamer Jamal, an adept allrounder, await their potential introductions into Test cricket after their stints in the shorter format.
As the team gears up for the Australian challenge, they will have to compensate for the absence of Naseem Shah, another fast bowler in their ranks, who is recovering from a shoulder injury incurred during the World Cup. The series looms as a crucial litmus test for the reassembled squad.
Pakistan’s complete squad for the Australian tour, led by Shan Masood, is brimming with talent ready to navigate the tough cricketing conditions down under. With the World Cup debacle behind them, fans look forward to see if Pakistan can charge back under its new leadership.
Cricket enthusiasts can keep abreast of the latest World Cup 2023 updates, schedules, and follow their favorite teams and players by liking relevant pages on Facebook, following on Twitter, and downloading dedicated cricket apps on their Android or iOS devices.