'Respect should remain constant for everyone' - Babar Azam addresses dressing-room altercation with Shaheen Afridi following Asia Cup 2023 exit

The reports of a rift between captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi have unexpectedly dominated recent discussions. It has also affected the Pakistani team's preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup. This controversy surfaced following Pakistan's surprising exit from the Asia Cup after losses to India and Sri Lanka.

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It was reported that a heated exchange occurred in the dressing room. This argument was between Babar and Shaheen Shah Afridi after the defeat to Sri Lanka. Allegedly, Babar had cautioned his teammates against developing an inflated sense of themselves as "superstars" and underscored the significance of strong performances in the impending World Cup. It was reported that Shaheen had interrupted, advocating for the recognition of players who had excelled in the Asia Cup. The dispute escalated until Mohammad Rizwan intervened to calm Babar down.

In a pre-departure press conference ahead of the World Cup, the 28-year-old sought to clarify the situation. He mentioned that such discussions were common after closely fought matches and emphasized the importance of respecting each player's viewpoint.

While discussions on team improvements and strategies are essential as the World Cup approaches, the unexpected rift between key players has added an intriguing dimension to Pakistan's preparations for this prestigious tournament.

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"Respect is given to everyone. You see, whenever the match is close and we lose, it's just a regular meeting, but sometimes it's portrayed as if we had a fight. It shouldn't be like that. Respect should remain constant for everyone. We love each other as much as we do our family," the Pakistan skipper said.

The Pakistan team has obtained visas for the ODI World Cup 2023

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully resolved visa issues that had cast doubts on their participation in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. The Apex Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that the Indian government has approved the Pakistani team's travel. Initially, the PCB reported delays in visa issuance, citing extraordinary delays.

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However, subsequent reports indicated that late visa submissions and political tensions added to the delay. With the issues now resolved, Pakistan's team, led by Babar Azam, can confidently prepare for and participate in the ODI World Cup, dispelling uncertainty around their travel plans.