The Pakistan cricket team is currently dealing with internal conflicts during their participation in the T20 World Cup 2024. After losses to the USA and India, they’re facing the risk of early elimination.
Before the tournament, the team struggled against Ireland and England, leading to criticism from former players and experts.
Reports suggest that there’s significant division within the squad, with players forming factions and even the captaincy becoming a point of contention. This has strained relationships among teammates, affecting team unity.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials are surprised by the level of disunity among the players. Formerly close friends, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, have seen their relationship strained due to the captaincy dispute.
Adding to the complexity, many star players share the same agent who has strong ties to former cricketers, leading to backlash against critics on social media. This has elevated Babar’s stature beyond cricket, causing further issues within the team.
Shaheen Afridi’s removal from the captaincy after just one series, coupled with a fake statement issued to the media, has left him discontented. Despite being informally offered the vice-captaincy, the board officially denied it, worsening his dissatisfaction.
There are also concerns about the team’s selection, with players like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir returning from retirement and affecting the team’s balance. Meanwhile, consistent poor performers like Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed continue to get opportunities.
The PCB was aware of these issues before the World Cup but chose not to act immediately due to the event’s significance. There are also reports of factionalism within the board itself, hindering decisive action.
Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at significant changes in the Pakistan cricket team post-World Cup, indicating a potential overhaul.
