On September 14, after a heartbreaking defeat to Sri Lanka in their last Super 4 encounter, the Pakistan cricket team’s run at the Asia Cup 2023 came to an end. Babar Azam’s leadership was put to the test after a humiliating loss by 228 runs to India when his team lost by two wickets while defending 252 runs against Sri Lanka. Pakistan’s dressing room took an unexpected turn following their heartbreaking last-ball loss.
Bolnews, a Pakistani news site, said that after the game, Babar Azam addressed his squad and addressed their poor performance. The skipper was honest about his dissatisfaction and set a new standard for the next ICC World Cup 2023. The top bowler Shaheen Afridi was not pleased by his criticism of the team’s collective weaknesses. Afridi and Babar got into an argument when the latter refused to give credit to players who had helped win games early on. It has been alleged that Babar’s remark hushed Afridi, causing wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan and other backroom personnel to step in.
There were few standouts in the Pakistani camp, but overall the squad had trouble gelling. Captain Babar Azam was disappointed with his team’s performance since they were expected to do better given their position as the top ODI team in the world. It was also reported that Babar had separated himself from the team after the loss, going to the hotel without any of his colleagues.
Sana Mir Strongly Reacts To Pakistan’s Leaked Dressing Room Clash
Naseem Shah was injured in the Super 4 match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, and now there are fears that he will miss the next ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Former Pakistani women’s cricketer and current broadcaster Sana Mir had strong feelings over the news. Disappointed, she vented her feelings on Twitter: “Heart breaking news so close to the World Cup. Disappointed to see people sharing conversations from @babarazam258 from the dressing room to the media. Anyone passing it out of that room & the ones sharing should be ashamed. It is against the sanctity of the team. No injury can damage the team more than this. #PakistanCricket”
She referred to how the news of the dissatisfaction inside the dressing room was leaked to the media. She also showed concerns regarding Naseem Shah‘s injury.
Sana Mir’s statements emphasise the value of keeping the locker room a sacred space and keeping the squad together during tough times. Teamwork, resilience, and unyielding support from Pakistan’s supporters and the cricketing community will be essential as the squad faces the difficulties ahead, both on and off the pitch.
Heart breaking news so close to the World Cup. Disappointed to see people sharing conversations from @babarazam258 from the dressing room to the media. Anyone passing it out of that room & the ones sharing should be ashamed. It is against the sanctity of the team. No injury can… https://t.co/qMKQqJTQse
— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) September 16, 2023
