'228 run naa akele Babar ko karne the, naa usne khaaye': Hafeez backs Pakistan captain in stern attack at fellow players

Pakistan's national team is facing severe criticism after being knocked out of the Asia Cup in the Super 4 earlier this week. After facing a crushing 228-run defeat to arch-rivals India, Pakistan endured a narrow two-wicket loss in the must-win clash against Sri Lanka, as Charith Asalanka's heroic innings helped the side snatch a win from Babar Azam's men on the last ball of the run-curtailed run-chase. Pakistan's captain Babar Azam reacts after his dismissal by India's Hardik Pandya during the Asia Cup 2023 super 4 However, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has come out in defence of Babar, insisting that the captain often takes the brunt of defeats while most players remain unscathed of criticism. Referring to the side's heavy loss against India, Hafeez insisted that it wasn't Babar's responsibility alone to score 228 runs, nor did he concede as many. We were still hurting with loss against India.” Pakistan return to action in WC Amid turmoil over media reports of argument in the dressing room and injuries to some of their key players, Pakistan will make a return to action during the World Cup warm-ups, starting September 29.