Cricket News

AB de Villiers makes massive statement on news of rift in Pakistani dressing room

Pakistan cricket fraternity was rocked with the news of an open rift in the team. The news came after Pakistan made its exit from the Asia Cup 2023. Pakistan lost a last-ball thriller to Sri Lanka last week. The loss meant that Pakistan did not qualify for the finals of the tournament. India went on win the cup by beating Sri Lanka in the finals by 10 wickets.

The rift was out in the open as news came out relations had soured in the dressing room. As per reports, Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi had a falling out. The two were seen together during Afridi’s marriage a few days later.

Former South African legendary batter AB De Villiers has spoken about the incident. Known as the Mr.360 in cricket, the 39-year-old recently was part of a show aptly named the 360 Show.

ABD has his say on the rift in the Pakistani dressing room

Former South African skipper AB De Villiers has spoken on the news of the rift in team Pakistan. The 39-year-old said “We saw some footage in the change room, where there was a little bit of friction. If I am a Pakistani supporter, I wouldn’t worry about that.  I would be very happy about that- there are some leaders standing up and making their voices heard and even arguing a bit.”

ABD said that such frictions are better for the team. The 39-year-old said “There is nothing wrong with that, you need that sometimes to settle the dust. To look each other in the eye, to tell each other –listen, this is how it’s going to work, this is not on, this is how we play. Now we are going into the World Cup, we need to man up.”

Babar Azam had stood up to speak on Pakistan’s exit from the Asia Cup. That’s when the Pakistan captain called out his team. This did not sit down well with Shaheen Afridi who had a few words to say. The matter was eventually settled when Mohammad Rizwan stepped in before the situation got ugly.

ABD finally said “I would be quietly optimistic as a Pakistani fan. They’ve done incredibly well to sort these things out in the dressing room. It’s always a good sign, but at the end of the day, they’ll have to find some form in the park. We know they are capable.”