Viral Video Sparks Speculation of Rift in Pakistan Team
A viral video clip showing Shaheen Afridi removing captain Shan Masood‘s arm from his shoulder during a team huddle has sparked rumors of discord within the Pakistan cricket team. The incident occurred after Pakistan’s crushing 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi. Fans and cricket analysts quickly picked up on the moment, questioning the team’s unity and morale. The video has led to widespread speculation about underlying tensions in the dressing room, adding to the team’s woes after their poor performance.
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This isn’t the first sign of possible unrest within the squad. Just a day before the incident, Shan Masood was seen having an intense discussion with head coach Jason Gillespie in the dressing room. The visible friction between key team members comes at a time when Pakistan desperately needs to regroup and find their form. With Shan Masood struggling to secure a Test win since his appointment as captain, the pressure is mounting, and the team’s internal dynamics appear increasingly fragile.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue Under Shan Masood’s Captaincy
Since taking over as Pakistan‘s Test captain, Shan Masood has faced a tough challenge, with the team losing all four Tests under his leadership. The recent 10-wicket loss to Bangladesh marks a significant low point, as it was Pakistan’s first-ever Test defeat against the visitors. This result has not only damaged team morale but also severely impacted Pakistan’s standing in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table, dropping them to the 8th position. Masood’s captaincy is under scrutiny as Pakistan’s chances of making it to the WTC final at Lord’s next year diminish.
The defeat has heightened the pressure on Masood to deliver results in the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh, set to take place at the same Rawalpindi venue. Pakistan’s last home Test victory came in 2021, and another loss would only exacerbate the team’s struggles. Following the Bangladesh series, Pakistan faces the formidable challenge of hosting England in a three-match Test series in October, making it imperative for the team to resolve internal issues and focus on improving their performance.
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