Azhar Mahmood Denies Babar Azam Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi Rumoured Rift In Pakistan Dressing Room

New York: Reacting to Wasim Akram’s comments on the rift between certain players in the dressing room Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood denied all claims stating that each and every player have a co-ordial relationship with each other. Following Pakistan’s heartbreaking six-run loss to India in the T20 World Cup 2024, Akram spoke about Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi not talking with each other without naming them.

Mahmood, who joined the team earlier in the year, took a dig at everyone who feels that players shouldn’t have a life outside cricket and remain confined in their hotel rooms brooding over their narrow defeat against India. It is also often believed that the Pakistan team is divided into two factions – one led by skipper Babar, while the other group is under Shaheen’s control.

“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 before the Canada clash.

So in the tournament, baring Babar, no Pakistan players have faced the media during the post and pre-match interactions with the media. Asked why the players aren’t facing the media, Mahmood tried to defend his players with a straight bat.

“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,” he added.