KARACHI: Pakistan wicket-keeper/batsman Sarfraz Ahmed has categorically denied any rift or problems with head coach Waqar Younis.

After being included in the side for Pakistan’s crucial game against South Africa having been excluded from the team’s first four games, Sarfraz scripted his team’s 29-run victory on Saturday.

Read: Waqar scoffs at reporter, wraps press conference over question on Sarfraz, favouritism

That resulted in thorny questions being asked from Waqar at the post-match news conference about a “potential rift” with Sarfraz which saw him being omitted from the playing XI for the first four matches.

Waqar responded angrily, citing it as a “stupid question” before cutting short the presser and leaving.

Also read| Waqar's assessment of Sarfraz baffling: Miandad

“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.”

Also read: Seamers, Sarfraz inspire as rampant Pakistan sink South Africa

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.

“We are trying to do our best and people who understand the game will appreciate that. I am a patriotic Pakistani and I will never do any harm to my country or team and we are trying to do everything to make our people feel proud of us.”

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2015

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