The disappointing performance of Pakistan’s batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2024 has drawn widespread criticism from fans and experts alike. Azam Khan, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been particularly singled out. After being dropped for the match against India, Azam Khan faced harsh scrutiny after being spotted eating at a New York street food corner post-match. This incident followed his duck against the USA, further fueling fan outrage over his fitness and form.
Azam Khan enjoys New York street food after T20 World Cup 2024 game loss
Soon after Pakistan’s defeat to India, a video of Azam Khan eating street food in New York went viral on social media. While it is unclear whether the video was captured after the match, the 25-year-old wicketkeeper was undoubtedly enjoying his lunch, despite his fitness and Pakistan’s performance being criticized.
The Pakistan cricket team faced a six-run defeat against India in match number 19 of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup on June 9. Chasing a target of 120 runs, the “Men in Green” could only muster 113-7 on a seamer-friendly surface in Nassau County. This loss marks Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat in the tournament, having previously lost to the USA on June 6.
Sarfaraz Ahmed body-shamed by Pakistani fans
This isn’t the first time Pakistani cricketers have faced such harsh criticism. In 2019, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was similarly body-shamed by fans. After Pakistan’s heavy loss to India in the World Cup, a video surfaced of a fan calling Sarfaraz “fat like a pig” while he was with his son in a mall in England. Despite the abuse, Sarfaraz handled the situation with grace.
Pakistan look to turn tides in T20 World Cup 2024
Looking ahead, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team needs to secure victories in their remaining matches to stay in contention for the Super Eight stage. They are set to face Canada on June 11 at the same venue in New York. To keep their tournament hopes alive, Pakistan must win both of their remaining fixtures with significant margins and hope for favorable outcomes in other matches.
The recent criticisms and off-field distractions have added to the pressure on the Pakistan team. However, with a focused approach and improved performances, they still have a chance to turn their campaign around and make it to the next stage of the T20 World Cup.
