Just days after veteran Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim clarified that all is well between him and “good friend” Babar Azam, contrary to long-standing rumors in the media, the two were seen engaging in a heated argument during Pakistan’s preparation for the upcoming series against Ireland and England. The video sparked significant tension among Pakistan fans ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The video emerged on Monday evening showing Babar and Imad having an animated chat in the presence of other Pakistan teammates like Shaheen Afridi. Imad appeared angry before teammates intervened to separate them.
Earlier last week, Imad, who reversed his retirement decision to make himself available for T20 World Cup selection, denied rumors of a rift between him, fast bowler Mohammad Amir, and captain Babar.
“There is nothing bitter between us. I, Babar, and Amir are very good friends. We fully support our captain and aim to win the T20 World Cup 2024 under Babar Azam’s captaincy,” Imad stated. “You never know, Babar Azam may be re-appointed as captain of Pakistan to win the T20 World Cup 2024.”
Pakistan is currently gearing up for the three-match T20I series in Ireland starting on May 10, with additional matches on May 12 and 14. The Babar-led side will then face England in a four-match series away from home from May 22 to 30 before heading to the USA for the World Cup.
Pakistan will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign on June 6 against co-hosts USA in New York, followed by a match against arch-rivals India on June 9 at the same venue. With nearly a month to go before the much-anticipated clash, Babar recently shared plans on how Pakistan aims to keep Virat Kohli quiet and avoid a repeat of the MCG defeat in the 2022 edition.
“As a team, you always strategize against different teams and their strengths. We don’t plan solely against one player but for all 11. We will prepare according to the conditions in New York. Virat Kohli is a top player, and we will strategize against him as well,” Babar commented.
