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‘Embarrassing Loss’: Ex-PCB Chief Blasts Babar Azam And Co After Hefty Defeat To NZ In 2nd T20I

Babar Azam after losing his wicket to PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I (AP Photos)Babar Azam after losing his wicket to PAK vs NZ 2nd T20I (AP Photos)

Pakistan suffered a seven-wicket defeat to a second-string New Zealand side on Sunday (April 22) in the second T20I of the five-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

The Men in Green, under the leadership of Babar Azam, failed to defend a 178-run total, as the Michael Bracewell-led side saw off the target with 10 balls to spare.

While speaking to his YouTube channel, former Pakistan player and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his frustration upon the defeat they had. Raja termed the result as 'embarrassing loss', particularly because most of the New Zealand players are busy at this point due to IPL 2024 commitments. 


"Losing is a part of cricket, but such a defeat shakes the foundation a bit, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing at home, on your favorite surface, against a team that isn't even a complete side - not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss," Ramiz Raja said.

In addition, Raja also highlighted that T20 cricket is a game of fortune. However, at the same time, he also mentioned that this humiliating defeat 'should not happen' less than 24 hours after they bundled out the same opposition for 89.

"Let's admit that in T20, anyone's luck can change, but such a drastic turn of tables within 24 hours is a blow to Pakistan's reputation. For some time now, there has been a notion that you can expect anything from Pakistan on a given day. Just 24 hours ago, Pakistan defeated them by 7 wickets, and 24 hours later, they themselves suffered a 7-wicket defeat. This should not happen," he added.

Pakistan will next play against New Zealand on April 25 in the fourth T20I of the five-match series. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host the remainder of the matches.