Pakistan cricket team faces internal strife amid T20 World Cup 2024 campaign

KARACHI:

The Pakistan cricket team has found itself embroiled in internal strife amid its campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. After losses to the hosts USA and India, Pakistan is on the verge of being eliminated in the first round.

Ahead of the mega event, the team faced a challenging series win against Ireland but stumbled against England, leaving former cricketers and pundits deeply unhappy with the team’s dismal performance.

Sources have revealed a deep divide within the national team, with factions forming among the players. The captaincy dispute has turned friends into rivals, with many players communicating only as needed, reflecting the fragmented state of the squad.

Board officials are reportedly taken aback by the extent of discord among the 15-member group. Sources say that until a while ago, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi had such a friendship that the trend of ‘even thinking of changing captain is forbidden’ emerged. However, when Shaheen became captain in Babar’s place and accepted the responsibility, a rift was created in their relationship.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of the team’s stars share the same agent, who also has close links with former cricketers. This support network has led to social media trolling against anyone who criticizes these star players. Officials believe this has elevated Babar’s image beyond cricket, causing problems for the team. After being removed from the captaincy, Babar’s communication with the board was almost cut off, but improved with the arrival of the new management.

Shaheen’s removal from the captaincy after just one series and issuing a false statement to the media left him deeply unhappy. Although he was unofficially offered the vice-captaincy position, the board officially refused, compounding his displeasure. Despite these problems, Shaheen continued to perform well for the team.

Sources say Babar does not get the respect he deserves as a captain, with players feeling he is not supportive when needed. Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir are not liked by Babar but were included in the squad after taking back their withdrawal which affected the team mix. Meanwhile, Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed continue to get chances despite poor performances.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was aware of these issues before the World Cup but chose not to take immediate action due to the importance of the event. There are also reports of factionalism within the council itself, with members acting as defensive shields for each other.

Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at a clean-up operation in the national team as well, with several major changes expected after the World Cup, including some surprising decisions.