Senior player denies verbal spat during Pakistan team meeting

A senior member of the Pakistan cricket team has dismissed rumours of discord within the team's dressing room.

According to reports in the media, a heated verbal altercation occurred between Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, and their leading fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, during a post-match team meeting following Pakistan's narrow last-ball defeat to Sri Lanka in an intensely competitive match during the Asia Cup.

Media reports have suggested that Babar Azam expressed dissatisfaction with the performances of some senior players, prompting Shaheen Shah Afridi to encourage Babar to acknowledge the contributions of those who had performed well. This exchange reportedly led to Mohammad Rizwan stepping in to mediate the situation.

However, when approached for comment, a senior player from the team refuted these reports, stating, "The team's sole focus is on cricket, and we are not concerned about the critics. Losing a match gives our critics an opportunity to voice their opinions, but these are merely negative speculations."

He went on to clarify, "In the team meeting, everyone shared their thoughts, but there is no truth to the rumors of a verbal altercation or the coaching staff needing to intervene. Everyone left the meeting together, and many teammates travelled back to Pakistan on the same flight."