In a surprising turn of events, the Pakistan cricket team finds itself grappling with internal divisions following two consecutive losses in the ICC World Cup 2023. Reports and speculations have emerged, indicating that the team is divided into two distinct factions. Star bowler Shaheen Afridi is purportedly leading one of these factions and has reportedly challenged the leadership of Babar Azam, the team captain.
The intensity of discussions surrounding this alleged groupism has prompted the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf, to address the issue personally. He reached out to a visiting journalist in Chennai to deny the speculations of internal discord within the team. Subsequently, the PCB issued an official statement to clarify their stance.
PCB’s Official Denial
The PCB’s official statement vehemently refuted any speculations about internal discord within the national cricket team. The statement emphatically assured that the team remains cohesive, dismissing the unfounded claims circulating in certain sections of the media.
“The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasizes the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations,” the statement further emphasized.
Support for Shaheen Afridi
Reports suggest that Shaheen Afridi has garnered support from a few players within the team, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. The specifics of the issues dividing the team have not been disclosed, but they come at a critical juncture for Pakistan in the World Cup.
Pakistan’s recent defeats against India and Australia have pushed the team into a must-win situation. The upcoming matches will be crucial for their World Cup campaign. Their schedule includes fixtures against South Africa in Chennai on October 27, Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31, New Zealand in Bengaluru on November 4, and England in Kolkata on November 11.
Medical Setback for Mohammad Nawaz
Adding to Pakistan’s challenges, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has fallen ill with a fever. Despite participating in all four games before Monday’s match, Nawaz’s illness prompted the team management to make a change. Vice-captain Shadab Khan, who had previously missed the game against Australia, stepped in to fill Nawaz’s role during Monday’s game against Afghanistan.
The ongoing turmoil within the Pakistan cricket team has raised concerns among fans and experts as they hope for a unified and resolute performance in the remaining matches of the World Cup. Pakistan’s success in the tournament hinges on the team’s ability to overcome internal divisions and regain their winning form.
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