Babar Azam told to pack his bag and fly back to Pakistan even before their final group game vs Ireland

Inaugural T20 World Champion with India, S. Sreesanth has wished all the best to Babar Azam's Pakistani team for the 2026 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. 

Sreesanth, who was underneath the Misbah-Ul-Haq scoop shot that went straight up in the air in the 2007 final, rattled Pakistan with his comments. The former right-arm pacer made this claim in light of Babar Azam's men being just a few days away from getting knocked out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Group stages.

Pakistan's Super 8 hopes hanging on the edge

Babar Azam and co. are awaiting their final Group A match against Ireland, which is set to take place on Sunday, June 16th. For the Men in Green to earn qualification, they will have to pick up a big margin win against the Irish team. It is the same team from Europe that had beaten Pakistan in the 1st of a 3-match T20I series before the World Cup. 

The situation in which Pakistan is currently in - is the result of their own mistakes. Back-to-back losses to the hands of USA and India landed a major blow to their Super 8 hopes and they find themselves in a similar situation as they were in the 2022 T20 WC. They had gone on to reach the final in Australia but the scenario is very difficult this time around.

Their qualification to the Super 8s majorly depends upon the result of the Ireland Vs USA game. If the co-hosts win, then they are going through but in case of a loss, Pakistan will have a good chance only if they have a better net run rate.    

Sreesanth highlights the need for change in Pakistan's cricketing system

While speaking to ANI recently, Sreesanth was asked to shed light on what went wrong for Pakistan in this T20 World Cup 2024. In his response, the 2-time former World Champion admitted that the cricketing system of the country has depleted and that they are not following the needed procedure. 

Sreesanth highlighted the Pakistan Cricket Board's reluctance to focus on their domestic circuit. The former fast bowler also asked the PCB to listen to their former players like Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis who are constantly asking for a change in the system. 

In terms of the Green Army's chances for the Super 8s, Sreesanth admitted that only a miracle can take them forward. Lastly, the Kerala-based former cricketer wished Pakistan all the best for the next edition of the T20 World Cup in 2026. 

"I don't think Pakistan is following the needed routine. They don't focus on their domestic leagues. All of their legends, like Wasim bhai (Akram) and even Waqar Younis, say they need to change the entire system. So that says where they are going wrong. I will only say this to Pakistan all the best for the next World Cup. If they come back from this position, it will be a miracle. I don't think it will be easy." - Sreesanth told ANI.