Pakistan Cricket: Rift Rumors Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Dismissed

Pakistan Cricket Team: Allegations of Rift Between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Dismissed

Amidst Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, rumors of a rift between captain Babar Azam and star pacer Shaheen Afridi have surfaced. However, Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has vehemently denied these claims.

Following Pakistan's consecutive defeats against the United States and India, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram alleged that all was not well within the team, with Babar and Shaheen reportedly not speaking to each other. However, Mahmood has refuted these allegations, stating that the two players are "definitely talking" and remain close friends.

"Wasim (Akram) 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," Mahmood said during a pre-match press conference.

Akram had been highly critical of the Babar Azam-led side after their defeat against India. "There are players who don't want to talk to each other. This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home," Akram said on Star Sports.

Mahmood acknowledged that Pakistan has not performed to its potential in the tournament thus far and took responsibility for the team's performances. "Now when you ask who will take responsibility – I think we all, as a team management will take responsibility. We have not lost because of anyone, it is our mistake too," he said.

"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 was sitting here. So definitely, it's not like we're hiding a player. They're part of us," he added.

Pakistan will face Canada in their next Group A match, hoping to turn their fortunes around and qualify for the Super 12 stage.

Tags: #PakistanCricket, #T20WorldCup, #BabarAzam, #ShaheenAfridi, #WasimAkram