Babar Azam, Five Pakistani Cricketers To Remain In London After T20 World Cup Exit

Following their early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistani captain Babar Azam and five other players have chosen to remain in London. The players opting to stay behind are Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan.

These athletes plan to spend time with friends and family, and some may participate in local leagues in the United Kingdom, as reported by The Express Tribune.

These six players will not return to Pakistan with the rest of the squad on Tuesday. Meanwhile, head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood have been permitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to head back to their respective homes.

In their final game of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan managed to salvage some pride with a hard-fought three-wicket win over Ireland at Lauderhill. Despite their victory, the team's overall performance in the tournament was disappointing, leading to their early elimination after losses to India and the USA in earlier group matches.

Opting to bowl first, Pakistan restricted Ireland to 106 for 9, with Shaheen Shah Afridi spearheading the attack with figures of 3/22. However, Pakistan's chase was far from smooth. The batting line-up faltered, collapsing to 62 for six in 11 overs and raising fears of another defeat.

Skipper Babar Azam, who remained unbeaten on 32, and Abbas Afridi, who scored 17, shared a crucial 33-run partnership to guide Pakistan to victory, reaching 111 for 7 in 18.5 overs. Shaheen Afridi sealed the win with two powerful sixes in his brief 5-ball 13 not out.

Reflecting on the T20 World Cup campaign, Babar Azam acknowledged the challenges and shortcomings faced by the team. "Yes, we finished well; we took early wickets with the ball," Azam said after the game against Ireland. "With the bat, we didn't finish well. Lost back-to-back wickets, got over the line in the end."

He further commented on the team's performance: "I think with the bowling, conditions suit our bowlers; in batting, a few mistakes in the USA and India matches. When you lose wickets, pressure is on you. Let's see what the team needs; I'll be okay with it. We have a good bunch of players; we've to go home, chat and see where we lacked, and then come back. Couldn't finish off close games; as a team, we weren't good as a team."

Babar Azam has indicated that he will leave the decision of his future as Pakistan's captain to the PCB, expressing his commitment to whatever decision is deemed best for the team.