‘No evidence to support these unsubstantiated claims’ – Pakistan Cricket Board breaks silence on internal discord in the team

Pakistan Cricket Team. (Photo by R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finally broken its silence on reports that say there are altercations within the Pakistan cricket team following their consecutive defeats in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Notably, Pakistan made their best of the stars in the competition, having won their opening two games against Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, they failed to continue their momentum, falling short against India and Australia, respectively.

As the rumours have widely spread, PCB took to its official social media account and stated that there is no such discord happening inside the team which is competing in the marquee event in India. The cricket governing body strongly denied the assumptions and stated that the board is disappointed by the propagation of misinformation.

“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,” PCB said in an official release.

“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,” the statement added.

PCB statement ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/qo8mFoVqq1

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) October 23, 2023

Notably, some Pakistani journalists were the ones who disseminated the rumours. They have posted on social media that there have been fights inside the team and that they will provide follow-ups after Pakistan‘s match versus Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As per the posts shared by the journalists, there has been increasing unrest among the team as captain Babar Azam is being isolated after two players got into a violent brawl. 

The reports emerged following Pakistan’s loss against Australia in Bengaluru. Pakistan conceded 368 runs as Australia’s David Warner and Mitchell Marsh both struck hundreds. Despite making a solid start, the 1992 champions were bowled out for 305 in 45.3 overs.