Shaheen Shah Afridi has posted a picture with Pakistan captain Babar Azam on X (formerly Twitter) amid rumours of a dressing room argument between the two following Pakistan’s elimination from the Asia Cup.
Subscribe to the Wisden Cricket YouTube channel for post-match analysis, player interviews, and much more.
The snap is of the pair playing chess together while sitting on sofas. Neither player is in their Pakistan kit, suggesting that this get together was outside of their international commitments. Shaheen captioned the post ‘family’ with a heart emoji. The posts insinuates that he continues to have a close relationship with Babar, despite rumours of tension in the Pakistan dressing room.
family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VjKAFOTIE5
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) September 19, 2023
There have been media reports in the last few days which have alleged a major disagreement occurred after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super Fours. The loss meant that Pakistan would not advance to the final and were out of the competition. Allegedly, Babar criticised the performance of some players in the post-match debrief, telling them they needed to accept responsibility. In response, Shaheen allegedly advised Babar to recognise the contributions of those players rather than criticise them. The confrontation reportedly prompted Mohammad Rizwan to intervene in order to resolve the issue.
Pakistan heated dressing room argument (Bolnews):
– Babar told players they’re not playing responsibly.
– Shaheen said ‘at least appreciate who bowled and batted well’.
– Babar didn’t like interruption and said ‘I know who’s performing well’.
– Rizwan came to stop argument. pic.twitter.com/CMsoHloQH8
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 16, 2023
Shaheen had taken two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over of the match against Sri Lanka, bringing Pakistan back into the hunt for the win in the final throes of the game. Sri Lanka had needed 12 at the start of the 41st over, with the innings shortened due to rain. But, Shaheen conceded just four from the over, along with the two wickets, leaving Zaman Khan eight to defend off his last.
However, with two needed off the last ball Charith Asalanka was able to clip Zaman into the deep and pick up the necessary runs. It was Pakistan’s second consecutive loss after being thumped by India in their previous match.
