Zaka Ashraf, the former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has dismissed rumors of a rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. In a recent interview, Ashraf emphasized that team unity has actually been bolstered since Afridi’s appointment as T20I captain. He clarified that the decision to move Azam from the captaincy was based on performance, not personal disagreements.
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Ashraf explained that Babar Azam’s removal from captaincy did not lead to factionalism within the team. Instead, he believes the changes improved team dynamics, citing the successful leadership of Shan Masood and the positive impact of appointing Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain. He praised key figures such as Mohammad Hafeez and other former players who supported the coaching staff and contributed to a stable team environment.
Following Pakistan’s early exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar Azam was initially replaced, with Masood and Afridi stepping into leadership roles. However, after a poor series against New Zealand, Afridi was replaced and Azam was reinstated as the white-ball captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Ashraf noted that leadership transitions are a common aspect of cricket and affirmed his confidence in the team’s current management.
