(AFP Photo)
Amidst the spotlight on Pakistan Cricket following their tumultuous start to the T20 World Cup 2024, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has addressed rumors regarding a supposed discord between two senior members of the team, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
As a former cricketer representing the nation, Mahmood, now serving as assistant coach, has refuted claims of any rift between current skipper Babar Azam and pacer Shaheen Afridi. He has also dismissed assertions made by former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram suggesting that the two were estranged.
Mahmood has further defended the team against criticism, particularly regarding their activities outside of cricket. He emphasized that amidst the disappointment of their narrow defeat against India, some team members were seen engaging in activities beyond cricket, rather than remaining secluded in their hotel rooms.
“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 in which it failed to chase down a 120-run target.
When questioned about the absence of players at press conferences to address the media, Mahmood asserted that the support staff equally shares the responsibility for addressing losses.
“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,” he added.
“Yesterday, Gary (Kirsten) was sitting here. So definitely, it’s not like we’re hiding a player. They’re part of us.”
Following the defeat to India, Mahmood, along with chief selector Wahab Riaz and skipper Babar, were spotted dining at a restaurant, sparking ire among fans.
“You were there. I’m telling you; you were there. I saw you there too,” Mahmood hit back at the Pakistani reporter, who asked this question.
“The thing is, we are a very emotional nation. I mean, it’s not possible that if you lose a match, your life will be over. Yes, how will you do it? 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.
Mahmood drew from his experience with English teams and suggested that such post-match outings were commonplace. He remarked, “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.”
Pakistan aims to regroup and put forth a stronger performance as they face Canada, knowing that their chances of advancing to the Super-8s are uncertain.
