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Trouble in Pakistan cricket team? PCB issues statement

Babar Azam-led team have to win their match against Afghanistan to qualify for the semi-finals

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Pakistan's team coach Mickey Arthur, left facing camera, talks with the team ahead of their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Chennai, India, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Photo: AP
by

Ajanta Paul

Published: Mon 23 Oct 2023, 1:25 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 10:32 AM

Coming in as one of the favourites in the ODI World Cup 2023, the Pakistan cricket team has secured two wins and as many defeats in their four games.

The team now brace for a more 'passionate' rivalry against Afghanistan on Monday. As the boys take the field, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rubbished reports of discord and infighting in the national team, competing in the World Cup in India.

"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," the PCB said in a statement.

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"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."

Some Pakistani journalists have taken to social media about alleged disputes within the team. According to these posts, there was a physical altercation involving players, and there appears to be an increasing level of disagreement within the team. The posts also suggested that skipper Babar Azam faces isolation from a faction of players.

The statement added, "The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations."

The men in green have to win this group-stage match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in order to qualify for the semi-finals. Much to the disappointment of fans back home, Pak lost their much-hyped match against India and was outclassed by Australia.

Performance pressure will be immense on skipper Babar. Except for Mohammad Rizwan, the top-order batsmen have struggled for consistency, and Babar's recent poor form has impacted the team.

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Ajanta Paul

Published: Mon 23 Oct 2023, 1:25 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 10:32 AM

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