• Sportzyverse
• T20 World Cup 2024
• 06/11/2024
• 0 Comments

Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has firmly denied the existence of a rift between captain Babar Azam and star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi. Mahmood addressed recent comments by former captain Wasim Akram, who suggested that Babar and Shaheen were not on speaking terms. According to Mahmood, these claims are false and have no real basis.

Addressing Wasim Akram’s Comments

“Wasim must have said that, but I don’t know. I didn’t see it. Shaheen and Babar are definitely talking; they are good friends. They are both part of the Pakistan team. We have not lost because of anyone, it is our mistake too,” Mahmood said, referring to the team’s six-run loss to India, where Pakistan failed to chase a 120-run target.

Mahmood also criticized those who believe that cricketers should not have lives beyond the sport and should remain isolated in their hotel rooms, dwelling on their close loss to India. He emphasized that the team is united and that the rumors of division are baseless. “We are a very emotional nation. I mean, it’s not possible that if you lose a match, your life will be over,” Mahmood explained.

Rumors often circulate that the Pakistan team is divided into two groups, with one faction led by Babar and the other under Shaheen’s influence. Mahmood dismissed these rumors, stating that the team is united and that the support staff takes equal responsibility for the players’ performance and media interactions. “We are not hiding any players, everyone is there. Everything is there. I said earlier that we are a team. Obviously, we’re sitting here, and it’s our responsibility. We’re not delivering. That’s why I’m sitting here. Yesterday, Gary (Kirsten) was sitting here. So definitely, it’s not like we’re hiding a player. They’re part of us,” Mahmood added.

Addressing the Post-Match Outrage

Following Pakistan’s defeat against India, a video showed chief selector Wahab Riaz, captain Babar Azam, and Mahmood dining together at a New York restaurant. The footage sparked outrage among supporters who were displeased with the team’s performance. Mahmood defended the outing, explaining that it is normal for players to need time to relax and de-stress after a match. “If you lose a match and then you come to the room and bang the walls of the room, then you need a little time to relax your mind. Now, obviously, our players are not like that. I’ve been with English teams, too. If they go to a place like that, you can only go to eat, that’s our entertainment,” he said.

Also read Pakistan Cricket Legends Fume Over ‘Horrible’ Loss to India in T20 World Cup

Despite the current challenges and public criticism, Mahmood remains focused on the team’s goals and maintaining unity within the squad. As Pakistan continues its T20 World Cup campaign, the emphasis is on improving performance and supporting each other through the highs and lows of international cricket.