Pakistan Assistant Coach Azhar Mahmood has denied that there were any differences between Captain Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, which Wasim Akram’s recent comments made by the previous captain wrongly suggest.
Additionally, it is Mahmood’s opinion that people who say cricketers should not have life outside the game should be kept in isolation in hotel rooms and reflect on their embarrassing loss to India.
The Pakistan team has been rumored to be divided into two factions, one led by Babar and influenced by Shaheen.
”Wasim might have said it, but I don’t know. I didn’t see it. They must have been talking –Shaheen and Babar, they are good friends. Both of them are a part of the Pakistani team. We didn’t lose because of anyone. It was our mistake as well,” he said after six match defeats against India including a loss chasing down 120-run target.
After losing the match, the team management accepted blame for players’ absence at press conference. When explaining why his teammates failed against media criticism, Mahmood told reporters that coaches also shared equal responsibility with support staffs.
“We did not hide anybody; we all were there. Everything was there; you know we always talk about this team thing before the game starts right? Obviously sitting here that means –that is our job –we didn’t get anywhere. That’s where I am sitting What happened?”
“Yesterday Gary (Kirsten) was sitting here so there is no question about us hiding anything from players–they make up what we are.”
Following Pakistan’s victory over India, a video emerged online showing Wahab Riaz electing chairman dined with captain Babar Azam and Mahmood at an eatery located in New York City. This video caused uproar among fans who criticized their favorite team for poor performance.
“You are there; I will tell you, you’re there. Have a look at that too,” replied Mahmood to a Pakistani journalist who queried him.
“What happened is our country is very emotional you know what I mean? If you lost a game, that doesn’t mean your life is over. Well, what can you do if you lose and then come back to the room and start banging against the walls of the room, and then take time to relax yourself.
“But our players are not like this now obviously. I have been with England as well and if we go in somewhere like this or whatever it might be – all we can do is just go out and eat anything else but entertainment.”
