Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan to go broke? PCB plans strict financial penalties for Pakistan stars after T20 WC disaster

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is all set to take strict action against captain Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and other players for their debacle in the T20 World Cup 2024. The top players of the team might face salary cuts as per the reports in the PTI. 

Pakistan National Cricket Team under Babar Azam had a forgettable outing in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. After the match between the United States of America and Ireland was washed out due to the rain, the Babar Azam-led side faced an early exit from the tournament as they didn't go ahead into the Super 8 stage.

This was because Pakistan performed poorly in the tournament. In their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024, they faced a disappointing loss to the United States of America. After that, they went on to lose to India which hampered their chances to qualify. 

With Pakistan having a poor run in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, it is learned that some officials and former players had advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to reassess the central contracts given to the players during his predecessor Zaka Ashraf's tenure. Speaking to PTI, he explained: 

"There could be a reassessment of the central contracts and the players could find their salaries, and fees being cut if the Chairman decides to react strongly to the team's recent woeful performances." 

This was the third time in nine editions that Pakistan failed to go past the group stage in the T20 World Cup. In the last few ICC events, they have struggled to get going. Even though they reached the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, they are yet to win any trophy since the 2017 Champions Trophy. 

The source confirmed that the final decision hasn't been taken but the Pakistan Cricket Board will be taking a strict action. He stated: "Nothing is final as yet but yes this strong measure has been discussed within the board with the Chairman." 

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had announced that if Babar Azam-led side wins the tournament, he will give a bonus payment of USD 100,000 to the team. However, with them now getting eliminated, it spoils the party for everyone back home.

Pakistan to face Ireland in their last game of the T20 World Cup 2024 

Although Pakistan has been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024, they still have one match left match in the tournament. The Babar Azam-led side will be taking on Ireland in their last game of the tournament. The match will be played on Sunday (16th June) in Florida. 

The match against Ireland will be the final opportunity for the Pakistan Cricket Team to make a statement in the tournament. They last won the game against Canada and now would want to end the tournament on high. After the tournament, it remains to be seen what will be the future of the team.