Pakistan cricket team is going through a turmoil both on and off the field in the ongoing Cricket World Cup. Amid rumours of rift between Pakistan players, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to call back the team’s media manager, Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi. The decision has fueled the claims of discord within the side.
According to reports in Pakistan media, Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi has been asked to report back to the PCB headquarters in Lahore. The exact reasons for his recall remain undisclosed, leaving room for speculation.
Meanwhile, PCB’s Media Consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson, is travelling to India on an urgent basis. Kalson is expected to join the team in Chennai on Friday, and will take over the role of media manager for the remainder World Cup.
Earlier, PCB had quashed the rumours of any rift within the team and assured the supporters that the team is “cohesive”.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board strongly denies recent speculations about any internal discord in the national cricket team currently participating in the ICC World Cup 2023,” the PCB said in a statement.
“Contrary to rumours circulated by a certain section of the media, the PCB unequivocally assures that the team is cohesive and there is no evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims.
“The PCB is disappointed by the dissemination of this false news and emphasises the importance of upholding journalistic ethics before spreading such allegations.”
After team’s humilating defeat against Afghanistan, the board had put out another statement, urging the fans to keep supporting the side as there is still four matches to go.
“The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team,” PCB said in its statement.
“The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures.”
With 2 wins in 5 matches, the team is in danger of losing the semi-final spot and is in a must-win situation.
The Men in Green are currently playing against South Africa at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
