Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on alleged dressing-room spat with Babar Azam

During Asia Cup 2023, there were media reports surrounding a supposed altercation between former Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, and star fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, during a post-match team meeting.

According to reports, tensions ran high following Pakistan's narrow last-ball defeat to Sri Lanka. Allegedly, Babar expressed his dissatisfaction with the performances of certain senior players, prompting Shaheen to advocate for acknowledging the efforts of those who had performed well. This exchange reportedly led to Mohammad Rizwan stepping in to mediate the situation.

Now during the ongoing PSL 9, speaking in Lahore Qalandars podcast, Shaheen has come forward to address the issue, shedding light on the dynamics within the team and emphasized the team's commitment to its country.

"We don't need to justify ourselves to anyone else. We know that when we are in a meeting, we speak for the team. Pakistan is in front of us. We both know we have to perform and raise Pakistan's name. So, what we have to give for our country, we will give it ourselves, we won't let anyone else come in for that. Why do we play cricket? We play for Pakistan. So, just like things come into consideration within the family, the Pakistan team is also our family. We are the ones who have to set things right for it," Shaheen said.

It is worth noting that when Babar was later approached at that time to address the situation, he reiterated the importance of respect within the team, regardless of match outcomes.

"Respect is given to everyone. You see, whenever the match is close and we lose, it's just a regular meeting, but sometimes it's portrayed as if we had a fight. It shouldn't be like that. Respect should remain constant for everyone. We love each other as much as we do our family," Babar said.