Lahore, Pakistan: Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, addressed the media and put to rest rumors of a dressing room rift on the eve of their departure to India for the much-anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023. Despite a disappointing performance in the Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam expressed confidence in the team’s unity and positive spirit as they prepare for the quadrennial cricket spectacle.
Pakistan entered the Asia Cup as favorites but faced an unexpected exit, failing to reach the final after losing crucial matches against Sri Lanka and arch-rivals India during the Super 4s stage. The defeat against India, a staggering 228-run loss, particularly affected the team’s morale.
Following Pakistan’s loss to Sri Lanka in a tightly contested low-scoring match, reports surfaced suggesting a rift in the dressing room. Some sources even claimed that Shaheen Shah Afridi, the star pacer, had a heated exchange with Captain Babar Azam, criticizing senior players for not shouldering enough responsibility with the bat. However, Babar Azam, during his press conference, debunked these rumors, emphasizing that discussions and evaluations after defeats are normal within teams but often exaggerated when it comes to Pakistan’s cricket team.
Babar Azam stated, “There is no ill will in the dressing room. There are discussions after every loss but they get twisted into something else entirely. The entire team is like a family, and there is love and respect there.”
During the Asia Cup, Pakistan faced challenges due to injuries to key players, notably star pacers Naseem Shah and Hasan Ali, both of whom were ruled out of the crucial Super 4s match against Sri Lanka. While Hasan Ali is on the path to recovery, Naseem Shah was ruled out of the World Cup. To fill this void, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brought in Hasan Ali as his replacement in the 15-man squad.
In anticipation of the marquee World Cup group-stage match between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Babar Azam expressed his excitement about playing in Indian venues and in front of enthusiastic crowds. Although fans won’t be present due to COVID-19 restrictions, the matches are expected to be played in front of jam-packed stadiums, with Indian fans likely to dominate the stands.
Babar Azam remarked, “Unfortunately, we will be missing the fans. However, as far as I know, the games are all sold out so we will be playing in jam-packed stadiums. Although our fans will not be there, I know they will make sure their love is heard on social media. I have heard that the fans in India also show their love, although I have not experienced that as of yet but I am excited to play in India as well.”
Pakistan is scheduled to commence their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.