NEW DELHI: Amidst swirling rumours of a rift within the Pakistan cricket team, captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi put those speculations to rest by attending the latter’s wedding reception. The event, which took place on Tuesday, was a heartwarming display of camaraderie as Babar Azam extended his “heartiest congratulations” to the newlyweds.
The rumoured discord between Babar and Afridi had emerged in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan’s campaign ended in a dismal fashion, with the team finishing at the bottom of the Super Four stage. Several media reports had suggested a verbal altercation between Babar and Afridi as the source of the tension.
According to these reports, the disagreement came to a head following Pakistan’s loss to Sri Lanka in the Super Four, which subsequently eliminated them from the Asia Cup. Allegedly, Babar expressed his dissatisfaction with the performances of the senior players and urged them to step up their game. In response, Afridi defended the team’s efforts and urged the captain to recognize and praise those who had performed well.
However, any lingering doubts about their relationship were put to rest when the two cricketers were seen together at Shaheen Afridi‘s wedding reception. The fast bowler recently tied the knot with Ansha Afridi, daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
A photograph of Babar and Shaheen together at the event quickly went viral on social media, dispelling the rumours of discord. Taking to the microblogging site X, Babar Azam extended his congratulations to his teammate, reaffirming their bond.
The rumoured discord between Babar and Afridi had emerged in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan’s campaign ended in a dismal fashion, with the team finishing at the bottom of the Super Four stage. Several media reports had suggested a verbal altercation between Babar and Afridi as the source of the tension.
According to these reports, the disagreement came to a head following Pakistan’s loss to Sri Lanka in the Super Four, which subsequently eliminated them from the Asia Cup. Allegedly, Babar expressed his dissatisfaction with the performances of the senior players and urged them to step up their game. In response, Afridi defended the team’s efforts and urged the captain to recognize and praise those who had performed well.
However, any lingering doubts about their relationship were put to rest when the two cricketers were seen together at Shaheen Afridi‘s wedding reception. The fast bowler recently tied the knot with Ansha Afridi, daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi.
A photograph of Babar and Shaheen together at the event quickly went viral on social media, dispelling the rumours of discord. Taking to the microblogging site X, Babar Azam extended his congratulations to his teammate, reaffirming their bond.
On the same day, Shaheen Afridi shared a photograph of himself with Babar on social media, captioning it with the word “Family,” indicating the strong camaraderie and unity within the Pakistan cricket team.
The public display of goodwill between Babar and Afridi offers reassurance to cricket fans and supporters, suggesting that despite challenges on the field, the team remains united and focused on its goals.
Check out more videos of the reception going around on social media: