Another sign of discord has emerged within the national cricket team as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called back the team’s media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi midway through the ICC World Cup 2023.

A source privy to the matter has confirmed to Business Recorder that Nagi has been asked to report at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

PCB’s Media Consultant, Umar Farooq Kalson, will travel to India on an urgent basis. Kalson will join the team in Chennai on Friday to replace Nagi for the remainder of the World Cup.

Earlier today, PCB released a statement saying captain Babar Azam and Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq were given the freedom and support to form the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Looking ahead, the board will make decisions in the best interest of Pakistan cricket based on the team’s performances in the World Cup. At present, the PCB encourages fans, former players, and stakeholders to rally behind the team as they strive to make a triumphant comeback in the mega-event.”

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The Green Shirts will now play South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England – all the games are now crucial for them if they want to qualify for the semis.

Pakistan have their backs against the wall after facing three back-to-back defeats during the mega event, which has made their path to the semi-finals difficult.

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Amid criticism from former cricketers and fans, the PCB has urged the cricket fraternity to back the national team ahead of the remaining World Cup matches.

“The PCB acknowledges the emotions and sentiments of cricket fans following the three consecutive defeats faced by the national team in the ICC World Cup 2023. In this challenging environment, the board administration hopes that the cricketing fraternity and fans will continue to support captain Babar Azam and the entire Pakistan cricket team,” the PCB said in a press release.

“The national team still has four crucial matches remaining in the round-robin stage, and the PCB is optimistic that the team will regroup, overcome the setbacks, and perform positively and effectively in the upcoming fixtures.”