A statement calling for "cricketing fraternity and fans" to support Babar and the team going into their four remaining group-stage matches did not contain a clear vote of confidence for the skipper
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have stopped short of throwing full support behind underfire men's captain Babar Azam.
A statement surfaced on the eve of the must-win men's Cricket World Cup match against South Africa on Friday (27 October) in Chennai, with three consecutive defeats leaving the 1992 champions on the brink of elimination.
Following losses against India and Australia, Pakistan failed to beat Afghanistan for the first time in their history, as Jonathan Trott's men won by eight wickets.
Following the defeat, skipper Babar was critical of his team's performance, citing a lack of attitude from his players in the field.
He said: "We are hurt as a team. We must feel the disappointment, and my message to my team for the remaining matches will be to learn from this defeat."
Pakistan had set their opponents 283 to win, but half-centuries from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah guided Afghanistan home with an over to spare to claim a second victory at this year's World Cup following their 69-run triumph over defending champions England.
Defeat to Afghanistan was Pakistan's third in a row in the Cricket World Cup (R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)
"We achieved what we set out to do when we batted, but we were not up to the mark in bowling and fielding," continued Babar.
"Whenever you do fielding, it is only with attitude. And I don't see any attitude from the team. You need to put in extra effort and be fit.
"You should focus on the ball, not on other thoughts, and when the ball comes as a fielder, you have to be proactive."
Despite urging the "cricketing fraternity and fans" to support Babar and the team going into their four remaining group-stage matches, the PCB added that "decisions" would be made depending on the team's performance.
"Addressing the media scrutiny directed at captain Babar Azam and the team management, the board's stance, echoing that of former cricketers, is that successes and defeats are part of the game," the PCB said.
"Babar Azam needs to step up and prove himself as a leader amid all this"
Ramiz Raja
They added: "Captain Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.
"Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup."
Babar is currently the captain of the national side in all three formats of the game, overseeing the ODI team since 2020.
During his tenure, Pakistan have won 19 of his 28 matches at the helm, leaving him currently with the highest win percentage (69.64) of any Pakistani ODI captain.
Former PCB chair and 1992 World Cup winner Ramiz Raja has formed part of the scrutiny aimed at Babar and called for the national team to make serious improvements.
Former PCB chair and 1992 World Cup winner Ramiz Raja has led the dissenting voices (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja said: "Pakistan have a lot of problems to deal with. Babar Azam needs to improve a lot tactically.
"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."
PTI are reporting that the decision to remove the captaincy from Babar has already been taken, with the World Cup failings have followed a Super Four exit at the Asia Cup.
Following the clash with The Proteas, Pakistan complete their group stage schedule against Bangladesh in Kolkata (October 31), New Zealand in Bangalore (November 4) and England back at Eden Gardens (November 11).
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