Internal Conflicts Plague Pakistan Cricket Team Amid Poor Performance

The Pakistan cricket team is currently facing significant challenges, with a series of poor performances in various formats. A former player has highlighted that the ongoing conflict between star players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi is a major factor contributing to the team's struggles. This internal discord has led to factionalism within the squad, affecting team unity and performance. As both players grapple with form issues, the situation raises concerns about the future of Pakistan cricket. The former player's insights shed light on how internal disputes, rather than just on-field performance, are impacting the team's dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 1, 2026, 12:13 IST

Ongoing Struggles of the Pakistan Cricket Team

Karachi. The Pakistan cricket team has been facing a series of disappointing performances lately, suffering defeats across Test, ODI, and T20 formats. While various factors have been cited for this decline, a former batsman has pointed out a significant underlying issue. According to him, the ongoing conflict and factionalism between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi are major contributors to the team's current struggles.

The ex-player noted that there have been long-standing disagreements regarding leadership and influence within the team between Babar and Shaheen. Their relationship reportedly soured during Babar's captaincy, and the situation worsened when Shaheen was appointed T20 captain. Both players are key figures in the squad, yet their rivalry has negatively impacted the dressing room atmosphere.

According to the former batsman, this discord has led to the formation of two factions within the team: one supporting Babar and the other backing Shaheen. This division has affected younger players and disrupted team unity. A positive environment in the dressing room is crucial, especially when the team is struggling on the field, but it appears that players are keeping their distance from one another.

Babar Azam has been battling form issues for an extended period, particularly in T20 and Test formats, where his performance has not met expectations. Similarly, Shaheen Shah Afridi is grappling with injury and form challenges, with his bowling speed and effectiveness not being what they once were. The combination of their struggles and the ongoing dispute has created a dual challenge for the team.

The former player criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for mishandling the situation. He pointed out that frequent changes in captaincy and neglecting the disputes among key players have exacerbated the problem. He emphasized that until there is unity within the team and senior players prioritize the team's interests over their own, the state of Pakistan cricket will not improve.

This is not a new issue in Pakistan cricket; reports of dressing room politics and factionalism have surfaced for years. Both Babar and Shaheen have been crucial pillars of the team, but their rift now appears to be one of the team's most significant weaknesses. The former batsman's remarks have reignited discussions about how internal conflicts, rather than just poor form, are a major reason behind Pakistan's current plight.