'We love each other like a family' – Babar Azam refutes rumours of rift with Shaheen Afridi during Asia Cup 2023

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has vehemently dismissed the swirling speculations surrounding a reported verbal clash with teammate Shaheen Afridi during the Asia Cup 2023 virtual semi-final against Sri Lanka. Addressing the media at a pre-departure press conference in Lahore, where the team was set to embark on their journey to India for the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar categorically denied any rift within the squad.

Earlier reports had hinted at the Pakistan skipper expressing dissatisfaction with the performances of senior players, leading to a spirited exchange with Shaheen Afridi. This exchange apparently required the intervention of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan to mediate the situation. When the 28-year-old was quizzed about the same at the press conference, he 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.” Further adding, “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.”

Babar and Shaheen putting rumours to rest at the latter's wedding

However, the cricketing world received a heartening reassurance of team unity when Babar made his presence felt at Shaheen’s wedding reception. The event, which unfolded in the popular city of Islamabad, was a heartwarming display of camaraderie that dispelled any lingering rumours of discord within the Pakistan cricket team.

A viral photograph of both stalwarts at the event only served to reaffirm the close bond they share. Taking to the microblogging site X, Babar extended his heartfelt congratulations to his teammate, further cementing the notion that, in cricket as in life, the bonds of camaraderie and unity hold paramount importance. On the same day just before his reception took place, the Pakistan speedster had shared a photograph of himself with the captain captioning “Family” to put all the rumours to rest.