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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K’taka CM, DK Shivakumar meet Jal Shakti minister, seeks approval for water projects
New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddarmaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil on Thursday to seek approval for the Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra projects.
In the meeting, Siddarmaiah informed that Karnataka has the second largest dryland area in the country after Rajasthan. The irrigation projects taken up and being implemented in Karnataka have played a vital role in transforming agricultural landscape.
Siddarmaiah urged the Union minister to intervene in the matter and direct officials concerned to provide necessary clearances and approvals for the projects, according to the letter submitted to the Union minister.
The Mekedatu project, proposed near Kanakapura in Ramanagar district, aims to build 66 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) balancing reservoir. The project faces opposition from Tamil Nadu, a low riparian state, which claims it will obstruct the natural flow of Cauvery River water.
The Upper Bhadra project is designed to support irrigation in drought-prone regions of central Karnataka, covering districts like Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Tumakuru and Davangere. The project's progress is hindered by the lack of funding and the delay in declaring it a 'national project'.
Both projects face significant challenges, including funding issues and inter-state disputes.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti V Somanna and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
