Karachi: Sarfraz Ahmed, the hero of Pakistan's win over South Africa, has categorically denied any rift or problems with head coach Waqar Younis.
Sarfraz who was not included in the first four games, scripted his team's 29-run victory on Saturday.
After the win Pakistan coach Waqar Younis was asked bitter questions about keeping Sarfraz out of the playing 11 and also about the rift between the two.
Furious Waqar responded, citing it as a “stupid question” before cutting short the presser and leaving.
“I have all the respect for Waqar and all the reports, rumours are unwarranted,” Sarfraz said in an interview available on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) website on Sunday.
“The team is united and not only looking forward to qualifying for the quarter-finals but to play in the final. Waqar has been fully supporting and backing me and so have [captain] Misbah-ul-Haq and [bowling coach] Mushtaq Ahmed.”
In a separate interview, Waqar denied allegations of nepotism and favoritism in the dressing room regarding Sarfraz and said he was used to such flak.
“There is nothing new and we are used to these sort of things,” Waqar said. “I know it is an emotional time for the country and I guess everyone can't be happy.