'No pressure' Babar Azam Blasts Critics As World Cup Dream Fades Away

In a bold response to his critics, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has dismissed claims that the burden of captaincy has affected his performance at the ongoing Cricket World Cup. As Pakistan faces a daunting task of defeating defending champions England by at least 287 runs to secure a spot in the semi-finals, Azam remains steadfast in his determination and has brushed aside concerns about his captaincy.

Azam, who has faced scrutiny for both his individual performance and leadership during the World Cup, addressed the criticism by stating, "I have not performed the way I should have in the World Cup, that's why people are saying that I am under pressure. I am under no pressure." The 29-year-old captain emphasized that everyone has their own opinions, and if anyone wishes to provide advice, they can reach out to him directly rather than through the medium of television.

Despite Pakistan's challenging position in the tournament, Azam expressed optimism about their chances against England, acknowledging the difficulty of the task at hand but remaining focused on the match. He pointed to the team's recent victory over New Zealand, fueled by Fakhar Zaman's outstanding innings, as an example of their resilience.

While the likelihood of Pakistan making it to the semi-finals is slim, Azam reflected on the tournament, mentioning the defeats against South Africa and Afghanistan as crucial setbacks. He acknowledged that the team was hurt by the loss to South Africa and stressed the importance of learning from such experiences.

Addressing questions about his future as captain, Azam deflected speculation, stating that his current focus is on the upcoming match against England. As the tournament unfolds, Azam remains determined to lead the team with the same dedication and composure he has displayed throughout his captaincy.

As the cricketing world watches with anticipation, Babar Azam's response to criticism adds an intriguing layer to Pakistan's journey in the Cricket World Cup. The upcoming match against England will not only test their on-field prowess but also the resilience and leadership of Azam in the face of adversity.