Afridi Denies Attempting to Influence Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Role in Team
In a recent statement at an event in Karachi, former cricketer Shahid Afridi dismissed claims of lobbying within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Afridi, who is the father-in-law of player Shaheen Shah Afridi, stated that he has never attempted to influence Shaheen’s position within the team.
“If I had lobbied or done anything, then I would have been the PCB chairman,” Afridi asserted. “As a human being, will it suit me to say that Shaheen should be made captain? I don’t even like such a statement to support my man.”
Reaction to Recent Changes in Pakistan Cricket Team
Afridi’s comments come in response to recent developments in the Pakistan cricket team, particularly the surprising removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi from T20 captaincy. His predecessor, Babar Azam, was reappointed as the skipper in white-ball cricket.
Expressing his surprise at Azam’s return to captaincy, Afridi remarked, “I believe that if change was necessary, then (Mohammad) Rizwan was the best choice.”
Support for Babar Azam and Team Pakistan
Despite his initial preference for Rizwan as captain, Afridi stated that he now offers his full support and best wishes to Babar Azam and the entire Pakistani team.
Afridi emphasized his previous calls for Mohammad Rizwan to lead the team in white-ball cricket, suggesting that Azam should continue as captain in red-ball cricket.
“It is difficult to convince everyone,” Afridi noted, referring to the various reactions to recent decisions within the team.
The former all-rounder’s comments shed light on the dynamics within the PCB and his stance on the team’s leadership, showcasing his continued passion for Pakistani cricket despite recent changes.
