Pakistan’s red-ball bowling coach Umar Gul has shut down reports of an on-field dispute with fast bowler Shaheen Afridi during the second Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
A video from the match went viral on social media, showing Gul and Shaheen in conversation, with Shaheen visibly pointing toward his head. Indian media outlets picked up the clip and ran with claims that Shaheen had disrespected the bowling coach and the two had engaged in a heated exchange.
Gul addressed the speculation directly at a press conference on Monday, ruling out any internal conflict within the squad.
He explained that the moment caught on camera was routine team communication. Hasan Ali had sustained a head injury and was temporarily off the field, and Gul was simply informing Shaheen about the situation.
“There was also a misunderstanding on social media regarding Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali. Hasan Ali had suffered a head injury and was off the field, and Shaheen was simply informed about the situation. There is no issue, but it was misinterpreted online,” Gul stated.
The viral clip carried no audio, and no verified account of the conversation existed before the reports surfaced. Despite that, the footage fuelled widespread speculation, with Indian media framing Shaheen’s gesture as a sign of disrespect toward the coaching staff.
