Pakistan have recently lost their World Cup match against arch-rivals India. The Men in Green were thrashed by their neighbours in Ahmedabad during the weekend. They suffered a batting collapse, getting bowled out for 191, after being 155/2 at one stage. Indians chased the target in under 31 overs.
As many would guess, a flair of criticism has erupted from the Pakistani media and former players. Even the skipper Babar Azam was not spared as he was criticised heavily for his captaincy after the shameful defeat.
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Former players Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf have been very vocal in publicising their opinions of the current setup. However, both have had conflicting opinions.
What did Shoaib Malik say about Babar Azam's captaincy?
Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been critical of Babar Azam's captaincy in the past. After the loss against India in Ahmedabad, Malik took his chance to reiterate the point that Babar leaving captaincy would be for the betterment of the team.
He told he A Sports,
Look, I’ll be honest with you about this. Babar would need to give up captaincy, as I have previously stated in other interviews. Although it is simply my opinion, a tonne of homework went into it. As a player, Babar has tremendous potential for both personal and team success.
Malik Added,
I think Shaheen Shah Afridi should become next Captain of ODI incase Babar Azam resigns.
Shoaib Malik - I think Shaheen Shah Afridi should become next Captain of ODI incase Babar Azam resigns. (A Sports) #PakistanCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/rDuLK4i98W
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 16, 2023
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What did Mohammad Yousuf say in response to Shoaib Malik's captaincy criticism?
Another former Pakistan cricketer and former colleague of Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf did not hold back as he defender Babar's captaincy.
He even compared Babar Azam to World Cup-winning Pakistani captain Imran Khan.
Speaking to SAMAA TV, Yousuf said,
I do not think anyone should talk over sensitive topics (like Babar Azam leaving captaincy) during the World Cup. Imran Khan captained Pakistan in 1983 and 1987, but could not win the World Cup. Let good players remain as captain, don't ask them to step down.
Mohammad Yousuf in reply to Shoaib Malik statement regarding Babar Azam captaincy
— Sultan Khan (@MainHoonSultan7) October 16, 2023
Imran Khan captained Pakistan in 1983, 1987 and 1992 he succeeded in 3rd attempt - Yousuf 📸(SAMAA TV)#BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/XBS4lJW2IA
Who will win the 2023 World Cup?
India, England and South Africa are among the top five favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows:
| Team | Odds (Dafabet) |
|---|---|
| India | 2.30 |
| England | 6.00 |
| South Africa | 6.00 |
| New Zealand | 6.50 |
| Australia | 8.50 |
Think you know who will win the 2023 Cricket World Cup? Place your bets here with Dafabet!
