A lively moment was captured during the first T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand where Babar Azam went towards Shaheen Afridi to hug just before the start of the game.
The video has since gone viral with people stressing the bond shared by the two since there have been rumours of rift after Babar replaced Shaheen as T20 captain of the Men in Green.
WATCH HERE:
Remember, the 29-year-old also confirmed in a presser before the series that there is no such thing between them as he and Shaheen share a great bond and their only target is to win for Pakistan.
"I get surprised with the rumours I see on social media. Shaheen and I have a great bond. Our target is only to play and win matches for our country. Pakistan is our only priority,” Azam said in a presser ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
It must be noted that the game has not started due to continuous heavy rain and a wet outfield.
The players had to leave the field just before Shaheen Afridi was on his mark to deliver the first ball of the match.
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and captain Michael Bracewell decided to bat first.
Pakistan handed debut caps to three players - Usman Khan, Irfan Khan Niazi and Abrar Ahmed.
Meanwhile, Josh Clarkson is making debut for the New Zealand.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed
New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (c), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi
Remember, The Weather Channel already predicted there was a chance of heavy rain tonight throughout the game and it happened.
There is also a 49 percent chance of rain on April 20 in Rawalpindi, which is the day of the second T20I.
However, the chance of rain on April 21, when the third T20I is set to take place, is considerably less at 19 percent.
After the first three matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, both sides will move to Lahore, where they will play the remaining two T20Is of the series on 25 and 27 April, respectively.
The series is being broadcast live on Pakistan’s first sports channel Geo Super.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series schedule
April 18 — 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
April 20 — 2nd T20I, Rawalpindi
April 21 — 3rd T20I, Rawalpindi
April 25 — 4th T20I, Lahore
April 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore
- Babar Azam
- Shaheen Afridi