Pakistan cricket pacer Shaheen Afridi expressed unhappiness over his removal as T20I captain but agreed to move forward after a meeting with the PCB chairman.
Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached a fragile truce following Afridi’s removal as T20I captain. Afridi was dissatisfied with his removal and the lack of communication from the PCB.
The situation escalated when the PCB published a statement containing quotes supposedly from Afridi, expressing full support for the next captain, Babar Azam. Afridi, however, never approved these comments, and the PCB later admitted to an internal error.
While Afridi still believes his concerns have not been properly addressed, he moved forward. The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, met Afridi at the Pakistan team’s training camp to discuss the situation. Though details of the meeting remain undisclosed, it signifies the importance the PCB placed on Afridi’s unhappiness.
Also Read: Shaheen Afridi Unhappy with Misquoted Statement on PCB’s Website: Reports
However, the PCB downplayed the meeting with Afridi, stating it was a general visit. “The chairman also took the opportunity to interact with the players, personally commending them for their dedication and active participation in the camp. He expressed satisfaction over the players’ enthusiasm and commitment towards enhancing their fitness levels,” the PCB statement read, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite his disappointment with the removal, Afridi’s relationship with Babar Azam reportedly remains strong. Significantly, there are no concerns about Afridi’s availability for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting later this month.
With the training camp ending on April 8th and New Zealand’s arrival on April 14th, Afridi will aim to refocus on his bowling and contribute to Pakistan’s success in the upcoming series and in the T20 World Cup as well.
Last Updated on April 2, 2024
