Pakistan’s path to the current 50-over World Cup in India, spearheaded by Babar Azam, has been filled with unforeseen detours.

Pakistan has faced setbacks after a strong start, including a dramatic collapse against arch-rivals India. The team, poised at 155/2, struggled to breach the 200-run mark, resulting in a modest 192-run target for India.

Thanks to a brilliant half-century by Shreyas Iyer and an exceptional knock of 86 runs off 63 balls by Rohit Sharma, India emerged victorious in just 30.3 overs. However, this outcome stirred controversy, especially with Pakistan’s cricket director, Micky Arthur, criticizing the arrangements.

Arthur didn’t hold back, blaming the BCCI for the perceived lack of support for Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

“To tell it straight, this didn’t seem like an ICC tournament tonight. It resembled a bilateral series or even a BCCI-centric event. I didn’t hear ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ much through the microphones tonight,” Arthur candidly stated.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the perceived hostility from the crowd during this pivotal match.

In response, India’s 2011 World Cup-winner, S Sreesanth, launched a sharp critique of Pakistan’s response.

“Crowds will praise or criticize based on performance. As a team, you must be prepared for both. Mahi bhai always emphasizes focusing on the process because pressure is inevitable. If you can’t handle it, perhaps reconsider coming to India. In an interview with Sportskeeda, Sreesanth gave advice on how to play to win.

Currently, Pakistan holds fifth position in the ten-team points table and is scheduled to face Afghanistan in Chepauk, Chennai. While Pakistan enters as favorites, Afghanistan’s promising spin attack could lead to another upset in this marquee event. Afghanistan had previously stunned defending champions England, marking their only victory in the tournament so far.