ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Test team bowling coach Umar Gul has denied reports circulating on social media regarding an alleged altercation with fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, clarifying that the viral video was completely misunderstood.
Speaking at a press conference after Day 3 of the second Bangladesh Test, Umar Gul said he came across a social media post in which he was tagged, and claims were made that Shaheen Afridi was allegedly not listening to the coaching staff.
Explaining the situation, Umar Gul said the incident occurred during a match when fast bowler Hassan Ali had suffered an injury and temporarily moved outside the field. At that time, Shaheen Afridi was sitting near the dressing area.
He added that Shaheen usually bowls with a taped knee, and a routine conversation was taking place regarding his condition and movement on the field.
According to Umar Gul, while he was speaking normally with Shaheen Afridi and asking him to prepare to go back onto the ground, news suddenly arrived that Hassan Ali had suffered a head injury, which immediately changed the situation.
He said that the entire incident was wrongly portrayed as a fight or altercation, when in reality, there was nothing like that.
According to him, the reaction seen in the video was just a natural reaction to the moment, and he had no idea that he was being recorded at that time.
It should be noted that after the video went viral on social media, various users were speculating that there had been a heated exchange between the team’s coach and the player, which Umar Gul termed as baseless rumors.
