SAHIWAL: Following reports that he had backed new captain Babar Azam in remarks that were referenced in a PCB statement, Shaheen Afridi, who was dismissed as captain, has disputed the allegations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will convene crisis talks on Monday. The PCB restored Azam as white-ball skipper on Sunday, taking Afridi’s place after less than five months in leadership, after removing him due to last year’s World Cup fiasco.
The PCB statement said Afridi had “nothing but respect” for the returning skipper. “I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one,” Afridi was quoted as saying.
However, a source close to Afridi disputed that he approved the statement that suggested a smooth transition of power.According to the source, Afridi was disgruntled at being replaced after leading the Twenty20 team for just one series. “This is not Shaheen’s statement and he has contacted PCB to clarify this,” the source told AFP.
“Shaheen will meet PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Monday to clarify this.” Without mentioning Afridi, the PCB released a statement stating that Naqvi, who serves as the nation’s interior minister, would attend Pakistan team training in Kakul on Monday.
Fast bowler Afridi led Pakistan to a 1-4 loss in a Twenty20 Series in New Zealand in January. Lahore Qalandars, who finished last in the T20 Pakistan Super League two weeks ago, were captained by Afridi as well. After a five-match Twenty20 series against New Zealand, Pakistan will next play games in England and Ireland. The T20 World Cup takes place in the United States and West Indies in June.
