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Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf has firmly dismissed rumors of a rift between white-ball captain Babar Azam and left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi. The speculation arose following Shaheen’s appointment as the T20I captain after Babar’s leadership faced scrutiny following a disappointing ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.
Clarifying the Situation
In a recent interview, Ashraf, who was serving as the chairman of the PCB Management Committee during the leadership transition, addressed the swirling rumors. He stated, “No, the unity didn’t end [after removing Babar Azam as captain]. In fact, the unity improved. When we told him to play as a player, which is his talent, but as a captain, his performance is not good, he agreed.” This statement aims to quell any concerns regarding the dynamics within the team.
Ashraf’s comments come in the wake of significant changes in the team’s leadership structure. Shaheen Afridi was appointed captain of the T20I side, while Babar Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2023. Despite the changes, Ashraf maintains that the team’s cohesion has strengthened, and there are no factions or groups within the squad.
Addressing Rumors of Grouping
He further defended his decisions regarding the appointments of Shan Masood as the Test team captain and Mohammad Hafeez as the team director. “No, there was no grouping. The team was good. And we brought Shan Masood as the captain. He was a very good captain. He is still a very good player,” Ashraf asserted.
Ashraf emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration within the team, stating, “And our management, along with the team, Mohammad Hafeez, an excellent cricketer, a very honest person, we brought him along. Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and these players, we brought them along so that the coaching staff is with the team.” His remarks highlight a commitment to fostering a positive environment as Pakistan cricket navigates through these changes.
The leadership changes followed a disappointing performance in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, where Pakistan’s campaign ended in the group stage. Shaheen Afridi’s brief captaincy stint, which lasted only one series, has been a point of contention, but Ashraf’s comments suggest a focus on the future rather than dwelling on past challenges.
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