'Ex-cricketers, fans are standing against them' - Mohammad Kaif sympathizes with Pakistan amid heavy criticism in T20 World Cup

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Mohammad Kaif has expressed sympathy with the Pakistan cricket team amid heavy criticism they are facing for their embarrassing losses to the USA and India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Kaif admitted that the Pakistan team performed extremely poorly in their first two Group A matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, but lamented a lack of support from fans and former players amid their struggles. However, the Men in Green defeated Canada by seven wickets in their third game.

Mohammad Kaif sympathizes with Pakistan amid heavy criticism in T20 World Cup 2024

Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports: “The fans' prayers are not with them. There is a commotion there. Who is supporting them? Everyone is standing against them, whether you talk about their former players, I am watching everything, no one is supporting them, although they have played extremely badly.”

Well, the former Indian batter further pointed out specific instances of poor play, like Mohammad Amir's wides during a crucial Super Over against the USA and then their failure to chase a modest total of 119 in the next match against Team India.

Kaif emphasized that despite a massive win over Canada, Pakistan did not display a commendable performance that deserved praise. Furthermore, the commentator criticized the team's inability to handle pressure situations, citing instances where key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan failed to capitalize on their starts in matches, and they lost the game.

They didn't do anything there for which you should praise them: Mohammad Kaif

He further noted, “In the first match, Mohammad Amir was bowling wides in the Super Over. It was extremely poor bowling. You lost that match because of bowling. In the next match, they couldn't chase 119. They batted badly and dropped catches. I understand they have defeated Canada but they didn't do anything there for which you should praise them.”

Meanwhile, Kaif recounted that Babar was set against India and could have won the match, and even Rizwan was also set, but still, the Men in Green lost the match because they crumbled under pressure. He said that Pakistan dropped catches and is unable to bat under pressure, which is adding to their woes in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Will Luck help Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024?

The former Indian batter also mentioned Pakistan's historic luck in ICC tournaments, saying the Men in Green sometimes qualify unexpectedly despite inconsistent performances, all thanks to their luck. Kaif said that luck works in their favor at times when Pakistan qualifies for knockouts when they are virtually out, hinting at a similar miracle in this tournament also.

Kaif signed off by saying, “We have seen that many times. They haven't played well but luck favors them. If the Ireland vs USA match happens and Ireland win and Pakistan win the next match, both will be at four points and it will go down to net run rate.”

Notably, Pakistan will play their final T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match against Ireland on June 16 at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida. They are currently ranking third in the Group A points table with two points.