Pakistan cricket team has come under the scanner after its embarrassing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday (October 23).

This loss has hampered Pakistan's chances for a World Cup 2023 semi-final qualification. With two wins in five games, the Men in Green are currently at the fifth spot and might have to rely on other teams to make it to the final four.

In the wake of this defeat, Babar Azam and his men are facing the flak from the fans and experts alike.

Amid the scrutiny, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday (October 26) came out in support of under-fire captain Babar Azam and team management.

While acknowledging the “emotions and sentiments” of fans, PCB hoped that the cricketing fraternity and fans would continue to back the team in a “challenging environment”.

“The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures,” PCB said in a statement.

Addressing the media scrutiny, the PCB stated that “successes and defeats are part of the game”.

“Captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given freedom and support in forming the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023,” the board said.

PCB also mentioned that in the future it would “make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team's performances in the World Cup.”

“At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event,” said the sport’s governing body in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s next World Cup match is scheduled against the rampaging South African side in Chennai on October 27.