ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan Senior Player Denies Babar Azam-Shaheen Afridi Verbal Altercation

A senior Pakistan player has denied any altercation between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi in the dressing room after Asia Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka. The player said that there is no truth to such rumours.

Some media reports claimed that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had a verbal altercation with pacer Shaheen Afridi in the dressing room after the team’s loss to Sri Lanka in a must-win game. Babar Azam questioned the role of seniors in the match.

Shaheen Afridi interrupted Azam and urged him to compliment seniors who have performed well. This resulted in a verbal fight. Mohammad Rizwan interfered in the altercation to calm down both teammates.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Younis Khan Hits Out At Babar Azam After Pakistan’s Exit From Asia Cup, Says ‘If You Can’t Handle This Pressure, You Aren’t Capable Of Being In National Team’

No Truth To Rumours Of A Verbal Altercation Between Babar Azam-Shaheen Afridi: Senior Player

A senior Pakistan player told Cricket Pakistan that there is no truth to rumours of Babar Azam- Shaheen Afridi’s verbal altercation. He added that everyone shared their thoughts during the meeting and there were no altercations between any players.

“The team’s sole focus is on cricket, and we are not concerned about the critics. Losing a match gives our critics an opportunity to voice their opinions, but these are merely negative speculations”.

“In the team meeting, everyone shared their thoughts, but there is no truth to the rumours of a verbal altercation or the coaching staff needing to intervene. Everyone left the meeting together, and many teammates travelled back to Pakistan on the same flight,” Cricket Pakistan quoted the senior Pakistan player as saying. They did not reveal the name of the player.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Babar Azam-led Pakistan Set To Reach India For Upcoming WC On September 27 – Reports

Meanwhile, Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in their last game of Super Four round of Asia Cup 2023 by 2 wickets. After the defeat in the do-or-die clash, Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Engage In Heated Argument Post Elimination, Mohammad Rizwan Forced To Intervene – Reports

India and Sri Lanka are the two teams who will lock horns in Asia Cup 2023 final. India vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 final takes place on Sunday, September 17, at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.