Subheadline:
Pakistan Captain and Fast Bowler Clash Over Performance and Responsibility After Loss to Sri Lanka
Date: 18th September 2023
In a stunning turn of events, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team found themselves embroiled in a heated exchange of words following their untimely exit from the Asia Cup 2023. Despite a promising start to the tournament, Pakistan failed to maintain their momentum and were eliminated in the Super 4 stage, leaving fans and players alike disappointed.
The team’s journey was marred by the unfortunate injuries of key players Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, further complicating their campaign. Despite their resilience and determination, Pakistan narrowly lost a closely contested match against Sri Lanka, which ultimately sealed their fate and sent them packing from the tournament.
Adding to the disappointment, it has now come to light, according to a report by Pakistan media outlet Bol News, that Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi engaged in a fiery war of words in the aftermath of their defeat to Sri Lanka. The report suggests that following the loss, Babar questioned the performance and contributions of the senior players during the Asia Cup 2023 campaign.
In a tense exchange, Shaheen Afridi interrupted Babar, urging him not to make generalized criticisms and to acknowledge the contributions of those who had performed well. Unfazed, Babar Azam retorted, affirming his awareness of who had excelled and who had not.
The report further disclosed that Babar Azam, upon the conclusion of the match, chose not to engage with anyone as he made his way to the press conference and later back to the hotel.
The gripping match against Sri Lanka saw Kusal Mendis’s heroic 91 and an unbeaten 49 by Charith Asalanka propel Sri Lanka to victory by just two wickets in a last-ball thriller. Chasing a revised target of 252 runs in 42 overs, Sri Lanka required eight runs from the final over, securing the win with Asalanka’s last-ball heroics.
While Sri Lankan fans celebrated, the result shattered the hopes of millions of cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating an India-Pakistan final—a prelude to the upcoming ODI World Cup.
The loss was undoubtedly a painful one for the Pakistan team, particularly for their skipper, Babar Azam. His father, Azam Siddique, revealed that Babar was left speechless in the wake of Pakistan’s exit from the Asia Cup 2023.
As emotions ran high, Siddique took to Instagram, writing, “Salam Pakistan. Pakistan played the whole match with half the players and lost on the last ball with a four of a flock. But in this match, I have been shown a total superstar bowler Zaman Khan, who was bowling very well even in high pressure. Win or lose game, it is a part of the team, but the team played the whole competition despite being in half.”
He continued, “Inshallah, when everyone is fit in the World Cup, it will be fun to see the competitions. Allah only sees what happens with intention and action from the heart. Whether he accepts it or not, He is my Lord. I think the team has sacrificed their lives. Let’s encourage the team at this time and make their hearts big. This is patriotism. Long live Pakistan. (I just talked to Babar, he was not able to talk. I told him, ‘Braves live or learn.’ Never break).”
The heated exchange between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, in the aftermath of a heartbreaking loss, underscores the intense emotions and passion that surround the game of cricket in Pakistan. It remains to be seen how the team regroups and prepares for future challenges, including the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in India.