'Everyone gives me respect': Babar Azam finally breaks silence on Shaheen Afridi argument

Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam has not been in the best of forms with the bat in recent times and was also criticised by the fans and experts for Pakistan's exit from the 2023 Asia Cup Super 4s round. Pakistan suffered a humiliating loss against India by 228 runs followed by a close defeat against Sri Lanka by two wickets. The Pakistani team has also been hit by a major blow as they lost their main pacer Naseem Shah due to a shoulder injury. 

3 things you need to know 

• Pakistan will play their opening 2023 ODI World Cup match against the Netherlands on October 6 
• Pakistan didn't qualify for the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cup semi-finals 
• Babar Azam is yet to score a century in the ODI World Cup 

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Babar Azam opens addresses his rumoured rift with Shaheen Afridi 

A few days back some Pakistani media organisations reported that Pakistani skipper Babar Azam and ace pacer Shaheen Afridi engaged in a heated argument following Pakistan's 2023 Asia Cup exit. As per a report by Pakistani media channel Bol News, Babar allegedly told his players that if they don't perform in the ODI World Cup, they will soon be forgotten. However, Babar received a befitting reply from Shaheen wherein he reportedly said, "At least appreciate those who bowled and batted well." Babar didn't like Shaheen's interruption during the discussion and said that he knew who was performing well in the team and who was not.

For the first time, Babar Azam has broken his silence on his rumoured tiff with Shaheen Afridi and said in a statement ahead of his departure to India ahead of the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. Babar said: 

Everyone gives me respect. And see when you lose close matches then certain disagreements do take place in team meetings but this was taken out of context that there was a duel between us. There’s nothing like this. We have the same respect for each other and will remain the same. We love each other like a family.  

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Babar Azam's dismal performance in the 2023 Asia Cup 

Babar Azam was not able to leave any impact in the 2023 Asia Cup and only scored 207 runs from five matches. Babar only scored a ton against a weak Nepal bowling line up and was exposed in front of quality teams like India and Sri Lanka. Babar is the number one ODI batsman as of now and his poor form will be a matter of deep concern for Pakistan heading into the ODI World Cup.