'We Don't Really Enjoy with Babar…' - Shadab Khan After Asia Cup Exit

image-lmndgsnmPakistan captain Babar Azam | Source: Twitter 

Pakistan, who entered the Asia Cup 2023 as the number 1 ODI team, experienced a disheartening exit from the continental tournament on Thursday, as Sri Lanka handed them a narrow two-wicket loss in what was considered a 'virtual semi-final' in Colombo.

Amidst growing scrutiny of Babar Azam’s captaincy decisions in the match and throughout the tournament, a new controversy seems to be unfolding within the Pakistan cricket team.  

There have been reports suggesting a rift developing in the dressing room, with some players openly opposing Babar Azam's leadership.

Following Pakistan's elimination from the Asia Cup 2023, reports have also emerged of a heated exchange between Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi within the dressing room. The situation was de-escalated when Mohammed Rizwan stepped in. 

Pakistan's vice-captain and star all-rounder, Shadab Khan, has now revealed that he and his fellow teammates don't find it particularly enjoyable to be around captain Babar Azam during matches, noting that he exhibits an entirely different personality altogether. 

"We don’t really enjoy with Babar on the field because he is a different person altogether over there, but we do enjoy with him off the field,” Shadab was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

Earlier, Babar Azam pointed out Shadab Khan’s struggle in taking wickets during the Super 4 stage, where the spin bowling all-rounder could only manage to pick only two wickets. Here’s what the Pakistan captain said after Pakistan’s Asia Cup exit: 

"Shadab is bowling very well but he is not taking any wicket. So that's why you feel he is not bowling well. He is bowling well by unfortunately he is not taking any wickets. He is one of your best bowlers, Nawaz and Shadab."

Meanwhile, Pakistan's hopes for the ICC World Cup 2023 have taken a major hit with the news that their fast-bowling sensation Naseem Shah has sustained a shoulder injury, making his participation in the prestigious tournament highly doubtful.