The statement for the board read: “The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly denies recent speculations about any internal discord in the national cricket team currently participating in the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Contrary to rumours circulated by a certain section of the media, the PCB unequivocally assures that the team is cohesive and there is no evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims.

“The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations.”

Reports emerged of a rift within the team after their defeat to Australia last week. Pakistan were bowled out for 306 in pursuit of 368 after David Warner and Mitchell Marsh both scored centuries. It was Pakistan’s second loss from their first four matches of the tournament, and came in the following game to their defeat to India.

There were previous reports of fractured relationship within the team during the 2023 Asia Cup after their loss to Sri Lanka. Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly had an altercation during the team debrief, when Babar criticised the performance of some players during the game. Shaheen then reportedly called upon Babar to recognise the contributions of those players rather than criticise them.

Pakistan are currently playing Afghanistan in their fifth match of the tournament. They made one enforced change to their XI from the team that played Australia, with Shadab Khan coming back into the side for Mohammad Nawaz who is suffering with fever.

After electing to bat first, Pakistan ended the power play 56-0, but lost a wicket from the first ball of the 11th over when Imam-ul-Haq pulled a short ball straight to midwicket.