PCB denies rift between Pakistan players during ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Pakistan have won two out of the four matches played in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday brushed aside reports of discord within the national men’s team. Pakistan team are currently competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Pakistan have played four matches, in which they have lost two, and won two. They started with wins over Netherlands and Sri Lanka in Hyderabad. These were both big wins, including the World Cup record chase of 344 runs against Sri Lanka.

However, against India, Pakistan collapsed badly in Ahmedabad and lost by 7 wickets. India demolished Pakistan team in a one-sided contest, as after scoring 100 runs for 2 wickets, with Babar Azam scoring 50. Pakistan were bowled out for 191 runs. Then Rohit Sharma smashed a quick 86 runs as India won by 7 wickets with 117 balls to spare.

Against Australia in Bengaluru, Pakistan conceded 399 runs, with David Warner (163) and Mitchell Marsh (121) taking full advantage of Pakistan’s poor fielding and dropped catches. In response, despite openers adding 134 runs in 21 overs, men in green could only make 305 runs and lost by 62 runs.

PCB denies rumors of discontent in Pakistan team during ICC World Cup 2023

With Pakistan's performance on the pitch in the ongoing tournament not going well, rumors circulated that not everything was well within the dressing room. Last month, it was reported that some veteran players were dissatisfied with skipper Babar Azam. According to reports, even Shahid Afridi was attempting to assist Shaheen Afridi in becoming captain.

The rumors had to be denied by the former captain himself. And the rumors have reappeared, with Babar's recent dismal batting performance merely adding fuel to the fire. Pakistan skipper has struggled to score runs in recent games, and numerous people have called him off.

Amidst all this, PCB denied rumors of any unrest in the dressing room. Calling the rumors and reports false.

“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. Contrary to rumors 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.

The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasizes the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations,” said PCB in an official statement.

Pakistan are currently playing against Afghanistan in Chennai, in a must-win match for them.