(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Pakistan cricket is facing a new controversy after Shaheen Shah Afridi reportedly expressed unhappiness with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for attributing fake quotes to him in their press release announcing Babar Azam’s return to white-ball captaincy.
Afridi, who was recently replaced by Azam after a short stint as captain, allegedly denied making the statements included in the PCB release. These statements expressed his full support for Azam’s leadership. According to reports, Afridi was on the verge of issuing his own statement to clarify the situation before the PCB intervened.
“I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam. I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world,” Shaheen said as quoted by PCB.
The incident has reportedly caused friction between Afridi and the PCB. A meeting between Afridi and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to address the issue.
This controversy adds another layer to the already complex captaincy saga in Pakistan cricket. Afridi’s short-lived captaincy and the PCB’s handling of the transition have drawn criticism. The alleged use of misattributed quotes further damages transparency and communication within the board.