The prestigious tournament is set to take place across venues in the USA and the West Indies this June
29 April, 2024
PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator, Ramiz Raja, has recommended that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should be the opening pair for Pakistan in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.
The prestigious tournament is set to take place across venues in the USA and the West Indies this June.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz expressed his views following Pakistan's disappointing T20I series against New Zealand, where newcomer Saim Ayub struggled to make an impact in the opening position. Highlighting the necessity of a stable and experienced opening partnership, Ramiz pointed out the challenges faced when players frequently alter their techniques.
"I still believe that the Pakistan team has a lot of answers to provide; the series hasn't resolved any answers or issues but rather highlighted and brought them to the forefront," Ramiz said.
"Our opening pair is unsettled, he [Saim Ayub] plays with his technique in the first two matches, then if he flops he tries to change his technique in the third match which makes things even tougher for him. He will get more confidence with more success he achieves. Babar was like that in the initial years, he had the talent but he lacked confidence and experience," he added.
According to the former PCB chairman, reverting to the experienced pair of Babar and Rizwan could provide the stability and reliability Pakistan needs at the start of their innings.
"Pakistan should open with Babar and Rizwan. I feel that it is their best chance. My suggestion is that the Pakistan team should use the talent that they currently have in the best possible way. Put the combination that gives you partnership, and takes the match to an end. Babar and Rizwan opening is a safe option it is a tried and tested combination. As of now, Pakistan lose a couple of wickets in the opening two-three overs which doesn't allow momentum to build," he concluded.
It is worth noting that the upcoming mega-event tournament will commence on 1 June with co-hosts USA taking on neighbors Canada, while fellow hosts the West Indies will play Papua New Guinea in Guyana on the second day of group play.
A total of three venues in the USA and six in the Caribbean will be used for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 as the groups and fixtures for the ninth edition of the 20-over showcase were confirmed on Friday, January 5.
Ten of the 20 teams will play their first match of the 29-day tournament in the USA, with 16 contests to be held in Lauderhill, Dallas, and New York, and the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan scheduled for the new Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in Long Island on 9 June.
Pakistan's schedule for T20 World Cup 2024
Groups for T20 World Cup 2024:
