Pakistan vs England: Shaheen Afridi Mocks Babar Azam, Rift in Camp Amid Disappointing Run at Multan?

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Reports of internal strife have surfaced within the Pakistan cricket team after a viral video allegedly shows pacer Shaheen Afridi mocking captain Babar Azam during the ongoing Test match against England in Multan.

The footage, which has gained significant attention on social media, reportedly captures Shaheen mouthing the word "Zimbu," a derogatory nickname that has been used by fans to suggest that Babar excels only against weaker teams like Zimbabwe.

The word "Zimbu" has long been associated with Babar's performances, with critics accusing him of scoring big runs against lesser-ranked teams while failing to deliver against top-tier nations. The viral clip has fueled speculation that the same sentiments might have infiltrated the Pakistan dressing room.

This possibly indicates a deeper rift between two of the team's biggest stars. While some fans believe that Shaheen's gesture was made in jest, others suggest it reflects growing tension within the squad, especially in light of Shaheen's recent removal from captaincy ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Babar regained leadership.

Though Babar stepped down from the role shortly after, this power shift could be a factor in the rumored discord. Babar Azam, often hailed as one of the finest batsmen of his generation, has struggled in Test cricket recently. His last century came in December 2022 against New Zealand, and he has since been unable to regain his form.

In the current Test series against England, Babar managed scores of just 30 and 5, underperforming on a pitch widely considered a batting paradise. His struggles have not gone unnoticed, with fans and pundits alike questioning his ability to lead the team during such a crucial phase.

Pakistan's performance on the field has been equally concerning. In the first Test, England posted a colossal total of 823-7, thanks to record-breaking innings from Harry Brook (317) and Joe Root (262). Pakistan ended day four of the match at 152-6, still trailing by 115 runs and staring down the possibility of a heavy defeat.

As the pressure mounts on Babar to deliver, the alleged taunting by Shaheen could further complicate an already tense atmosphere in the Pakistan camp. Whether this incident is a sign of a larger rift within the squad or simply a misunderstanding remains to be seen, but it has certainly added to the drama surrounding Pakistan cricket.