Livid with Pakistan’s horrific beginning in the 2024 T20 World Cup series, especially after a squeaky wobble against India, the former captain of Pakistan and internationally acclaimed cricketer Wasim Akram ambushed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for internal disunity. Akram was furious when he identified problems such as poor communication between the star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, leading to a downfall in the team.
Wasim Akram Calls for Changes in Team Composition
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In a post-match interview with Star Sports, after Pakistan’s six-run defeat to India in New York had a good bowl in his words, Wasim Akram let out his frustration over the internal conflict. He claimed more players, namely Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who oftentimes do not see eye to eye, should be benched in the name of building inter-squad harmony.
“Quite a few players do not wish to speak to each other. Some of these players are part of the international game and play for their country.” Make these players sit at home. Said Wasim Akram Fahrenheit gateway PSL5.
These two armies have been at loggerheads for some time now, and the conflict can be traced to one decision by the PCB. Babar Azam was replaced in the shortest-format batting leadership role due to the bitter loss of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Mohammad Hafeez was stripped of the T20I captaincy, and later Shaheen Afridi was given a chance as the T20I captain. But he only lasted for one series due to his below-average show in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). One of the most significant conflicts in the days leading up to the World Cup was that Babar was only made captain again a few weeks before the tournament.
Also read: Rohit Sharma Enjoys Family Time in New York Amid T20 World Cup 2024
Denial of Discord by Team Management
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However, this was in sharp contrast to Wasim Akram, as other Pakistani officials, including assistant coach Azhar Mahmood, dismissed the reported conflict between Babar and Shaheen. Before Pakistan’s match against Canada in New York, which could be a decisive one, Mahmood cleared the air by saying that the two players are in good books.
“The comment must have come from Wasim, but I can’t say that. I never saw that. We can see Shaheen and Babar talking; they are close friends. Both of them ply their trade for Pakistan”.
Pakistan’s dismal performance in the T20 World Cup, including losses to both the USA and India, has left their tournament hopes in danger of loss. Addressing the team’s poor form, Mahmood emphasized that the entire team management takes collective responsibility for the setbacks.
“Now when you ask who will take responsibility – I think we all, as a team management, will take responsibility. We have not lost because of anyone; it is our mistake too,” Mahmood acknowledged.
Also read: Breaking News: Jasprit Bumrah Becomes India’s Third-Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is
Transparency and Unity
Mahmood further stressed that no players are being hidden or exempt from scrutiny, reinforcing the team’s collective responsibility for their performance.
“We are not hiding any players, everyone is there. Everything is there. I said earlier that we are a team. Obviously, we’re sitting here, and it’s our responsibility. We’re not delivering. That’s why I’m sitting here. Yesterday, Gary was sitting here. So definitely, it’s not like we’re hiding a player. They’re part of us,” Mahmood concluded.
Also Read: Breaking News: Jasprit Bumrah Becomes India’s Third-Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is
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