Ahead of Pakistan's must-win match against Canada on June 11, Men in Green's assistant coach Azhar Mahmood addressed the media, speaking about the team's morale following reports of rifts after an embarrassing defeat against India.
Pakistan lost to India by six runs in a game they were expected to win. Following the defeat, players faced heavy criticism and trolling for their errors. Amid the trolling, a video of Azam Khan, who was dropped for the India match, enjoying street food went viral.
Aag lagi basti main, Azam apni masti mein! pic.twitter.com/zkWqO4nwmI
— Usman Jamil (@thtpakistaniguy) June 10, 2024
A reporter asked Mahmood about the video, provoking an aggravated response from the coach, who defended Azam Khan and emphasised the need for life beyond cricket.
"Did you see the match day? Brother, cricket is played on the ground. There is life beyond cricket. You were there. I'm telling you, you were there. I saw you there too. The thing is, we are a very emotional nation. It's not possible that if you lose a match, your life will be over. How will you do it? If you lose a match and then come to your room and bang the walls, you need a little time to relax your mind," Mahmood said.
Mahmood also pointed out that it is common for teams to go out for dinner after a defeat, not just the Pakistani side.
"Our players are not different. I've been with English teams, too. When they go out to eat, that's their entertainment. Now tell me, who's not following a diet plan? All the teams in the world do it. When we lose, we feel that we are not following this or that. If we had won, you wouldn't be asking me this question," he added.
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