Aakash Chopra criticizes unfair blame on Babar, Rizwan following Pakistan's T20 WC exit

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has come to the defense of Pakistan's star players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan after Pakistan’s disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024,. Pakistan's journey in the tournament was cut short after losses to the United States and India, coupled with a rain-affected match that dashed their hopes of advancing to the Super 8.

Amidst criticism from fans and pundits alike, Chopra has voiced his support for Babar and Rizwan. Many have pointed fingers at the duo's batting style, accusing them of playing too conservatively for the T20 format. However, Chopra believes the criticism is misplaced.

"Why are you blaming Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam? Everyone is saying that Babar and Rizwan play like this or that and that they shouldn't be played in T20Is, and you don't qualify because of them. Then I ask a question, it's both for the Pakistan public and the selectors - did you not know that they play like this?" Chopra said.

Chopra emphasized that both players have always played in a particular manner, and their style is well-known. 

"Is it a shock for you that Rizwan takes his time and Babar also has a style of playing? If you made players who play like that the captain and an important player (Rizwan), it's not their mistake. They play like that only and you have not lost because of them. Even if you have lost, the fact is that these players have played like this only, not from today but for the last eight years," he further added.

It is worth noting that Pakistan's campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 was challenging from the outset. They suffered a shock defeat to the USA in their opening match and were unable to secure a win against India in their second game. These setbacks left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. To stay in contention, Pakistan needed the USA to defeat Ireland on June 14. However, the match in Lauderhill, Florida, was abandoned due to heavy rain, thereby ending Pakistan's hopes of advancing.