Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has expressed frustration over being held responsible for the national team’s disappointing campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, saying he was made a scapegoat despite playing just one match and facing only one delivery.
The cricketer, who is the son of former Pakistan captain Moin Khan, questioned why he was singled out for criticism when several other players also failed to deliver during the tournament. Addressing criticism over players’ fitness, Azam questioned why supposedly fit players could not perform either.
He pointed out that Pakistan’s so-called fit players also failed to chase a target of 120 runs, adding that the discussion had now shifted from fitness concerns to players’ skills. Pakistan endured a disappointing campaign at the 2024 T20 World Cup, suffering a shock defeat against the United States before losing to arch-rivals India in a match in which they had appeared to be in a strong position to secure victory.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to an end after rain forced the abandonment of the Group A match between the United States and Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida, resulting in both teams sharing points.
The washout confirmed the United States’ qualification for the Super Eight stage alongside India from Group A. The result also secured the USA’s place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s hopes of progressing depended on an Irish victory, which would have kept their qualification chances alive. However, the abandoned match awarded one point each to the USA and Ireland, taking the American side beyond Pakistan’s reach in the group standings.
Pakistan endured a disappointing tournament, suffering a shock defeat against co-hosts USA in their opening match after the contest was decided in a Super Over. The national team then suffered another setback against arch-rivals India, failing to chase a modest target of 120 runs and losing the match by six runs.
Pakistan had entered the tournament without any scheduled warm-up matches, while several of their practice sessions were disrupted by rain. The lack of preparation and unfamiliar playing conditions added to the team’s challenges during the competition.
