Image Credit- PCB
Following the player’s meeting in Kakul earlier today, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Shaheen Shah Afridi have come to an apprehensive truce. Afridi was extremely displeased with the way he was fired and the board’s lack of communication after being removed from his position as Pakistan T20I captain after just one series. When the PCB released a statement on their website featuring remarks from Afridi, purportedly extending his entire support to the incoming captain Babar Azam and declaring it an honour to lead Pakistan, relations further deteriorated.
Even though Afridi still believes his issues have not been properly resolved, the player was prepared to move past the drama and move on.
The PCB informed the player that an internal error had been made by the board, but Afridi was furious since the statement contained statements that neither he nor the PCB had approved or stated. Even while Afridi still believes that his dismissal was not handled fairly or openly, it is known that Afridi’s friendship with Babar, a close buddy for a long time, is still solid.
As the fast bowler looks to refocus on his game, there are no worries that Afridi won’t be ready for Pakistan’s forthcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which gets underway in Rawalpindi later this month.
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, decided to travel to Kakul, where the Pakistani players are receiving training at a military camp, in response to Afridi’s evident dissatisfaction. In a statement, the PCB said that the chairman had met with the players “to gather firsthand insights into the training camp.”
The PCB released a photograph of Naqvi and Afridi shaking hands, though it is understood no individual discussion at length between the pair took place. “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.