PAK vs NZ: Watch - Babar Azam disrespects Wahab Riaz, denies his polite request in a shocking video

Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam and interim head coach Azhar Mahmood joined forces to deny chief selector Wahab Riaz from participating in a six-hitting competition. 

This incident took place during Pakistan's training session last night at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore wherein the coaching staff and the players were involved. The six-hitting competition was organized to help the players shift their focus from rigorous training to some fun activity. These type of activities helps the players in keeping their minds fresh for the challenges coming ahead. 

All eyes on Babar Azam and co. in the 4th T20I against Kiwis in Lahore 

Babar Azam's side, which is under Azhar Mahmood's surveillance for the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, will be taking on the Kiwis tonight in the 4th T20I. The series is currently on level terms at 1-1 after the visitors fought back in the 3rd T20I after losing the 2nd match in Rawalpindi by 7 wickets. The 1st T20I could not take place due to excessive rain. 

Babar Azam and his Pakistani side, have their sights set on trying to make the most out of this series on home soil. After the 5th T20I in Lahore, the Green Army will be flying over to Ireland for a 3-match T20I series before crossing borders to take on England in a 4-match T20I series. All in all, the Asians still have 9 matches before the start of ICC T20 World Cup 2024, to find their best combination. 

The Men in Green have been semi-finalists and runners-up in the last 2 T20 World Cup editions in 2021 and 2022. In the 2021 edition which took place in UAE, Pakistan were defeated by eventual champions Australia in the semis.

Then during the following edition at the Land Down Under, Babar Azam led the team to the finals but lost to England, who went level with West Indies in terms of most T20 WC titles. 

What did Babar and Azhar Mahmood say to Wahab Riaz?

In a video uploaded on Pakistan Cricket Board's official X handle, Babar Azam and Azhar Mahmood can be seen asking Wahab Riaz to stay away from the activity. While Babar looked frustrated, Mahmood told Wahab that management was not allowed to participate in the competition. 

Then Babar Azam started the six-hitting activity with a four off the first ball. The right-hand batter then made sure to send the ball to the stands of Gaddafi stadium in his final 2 attempts - one towards the sightscreen and the other over long-on. Then, the likes of Naseem Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan Fakhar Zaman, and Azhar Mahmood also took part. 

Chief selector Wahab Riaz, who was initially denied from entering the competition, was later given a chance. After failing to score a six from his first two attempts, Riaz struck one to the sidescreen on his 3rd attempt. This activity signals the kind of atmosphere there is within the Pakistani dressing room and how positive the team is looking ahead to the challenging next few months. 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐁𝐈𝐆 💥

Check out the 6️⃣-hitting competition with Pakistan's T20I squad and support staff 💪#PAKvNZ | #AaTenuMatchDikhawan pic.twitter.com/PFxcMJPmMJ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 25, 2024