Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi engaged in heated argument after Pakistan's exit from Asia Cup: Reports
Colombo: Just a few weeks ago, Pakistan held the coveted number 1 ranking in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and were considered strong contenders for the Asia Cup 2023 title. However, their premature exit from the tournament has reportedly sparked internal discord within the team. The Pakistan cricket team, led by captain Babar Azam, finished at the bottom of the Super 4 points table with just one victory.
Reports from Pakistani media have revealed that tensions flared in the dressing room after Pakistan's defeat to Sri Lanka, sealing their exit from the Asia Cup 2023.
According to Bolnews, Babar Azam and star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi engaged in a heated argument, necessitating the intervention of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan to defuse the situation.
The report suggests that Babar Azam expressed his dissatisfaction with the performances of the senior players. The 28-year-old captain confronted the senior members of the team, urging them to deliver better results.
The situation escalated when Shaheen Shah Afridi interrupted Babar Azam, advising him to acknowledge the contributions of players who had performed well. Babar, reportedly irked by the interruption, asserted that he was aware of the team's performance and the need for improvement.
Recognizing the escalating tension, Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Grant Bradburn intervened to diffuse the situation. Subsequently, Babar Azam attended the press conference and later headed straight to the team bus and the hotel without engaging with other players.
To address the team's performance and plan for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India, PCB Chief Zaka Ashraf has formed a cricket committee tasked with reviewing player performances and strategizing squad selections.
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Two killed as college tour bus crashes into parked tanker, lorry near Maravanthe
Kundapur: Two persons died and several students were injured after a college tour bus rammed into a tanker and a goods lorry parked by the roadside near Maravanthe Beach in Trasi on Wednesday afternoon.
The bus was carrying final-year B.Com students of Rambhapuri College from Shivamogga district. According to sources, the group had left for the tour two days ago.
There were around 50 persons in the bus, including 24 male students and 23 female students.
The students had visited Murdeshwar and were travelling towards Udupi on Wednesday when the accident occurred.
Police said the bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, following which the bus first hit a parked gas tanker and then crashed into a goods lorry stationed ahead.
The front portion of the bus was badly mangled in the impact. Preliminary information said the bus cleaner and a cooking assistant travelling with the group died in the accident. Several injured students were shifted to different hospitals in Kundapur for treatment.
