Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistani cricket star, has vehemently denied any involvement in lobbying within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), particularly regarding his son-in-law, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who plays for the national team.
Speaking at an event in Karachi, Afridi dismissed assertions of leveraging his familial connection, stating that if he had indeed engaged in such actions, he would have pursued the highest echelons of cricket administration, indicating the chairmanship of the PCB.
Addressing recent developments surrounding the Pakistani cricket team, particularly the abrupt removal of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20 captaincy in favor of Babar Azam, Afridi expressed surprise at Azam’s reinstatement. Despite his personal inclination towards Mohammad Rizwan as a potential captaincy candidate, Afridi extended his support to Azam and the national team.
Afridi advocated for a division of captaincy responsibilities, suggesting Rizwan for white-ball cricket and Azam for red-ball cricket. However, he acknowledged the challenges in achieving unanimity on such matters within the cricketing fraternity.
Throughout his remarks, Afridi maintained a diplomatic stance, emphasizing the need for unity and support for the national team despite differing opinions on leadership choices. His endorsement of Azam’s captaincy, despite his initial preference for Rizwan, underscores his commitment to the team’s success above personal preferences.
By distancing himself from allegations of influence and endorsing the PCB’s decisions, Afridi demonstrated a commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and the authority of cricketing institutions. His measured response reflects a blend of respect for the decision-making process within the PCB and a desire to see Pakistani cricket thrive under unified leadership.
