Shaheen Afridi – formidable left-arm fast bowler – has stirred controversy with a recent Instagram post, sending ripples through the cricketing fraternity.
Afridi, who assumed the captaincy mantle following Babar Azam’s decision to step down from leadership across all formats, found himself ousted after just one series, with Azam reinstated as the white-ball skipper.
Sources close to Afridi disclosed his discontent with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) handling of the matter, citing a lack of communication and an unauthorized statement issued post his removal.
In response to these developments, Afridi took to Instagram, sharing a provocative story that hinted at his readiness to exhibit a ruthless demeanor should his patience be tested beyond its limits.
The cryptic message, laden with undertones of defiance, underscored Afridi’s resolve to assert his authority, albeit in unconventional ways.
Sources close to the cricketer revealed Afridi’s deep-seated dissatisfaction with the PCB’s handling of his removal, citing a lack of transparent communication and an erroneous statement released by the cricketing body post his ousting. The statement, containing words purportedly attributed to Afridi without his consent, exacerbated tensions between the player and the board.
While social media buzzed with speculations regarding Afridi’s grievances, attributing his ire to the PCB’s decision-making process and even implicating Babar Azam, the cricket board stood firm in justifying its strategic move.
The PCB, in a statement issued on March 29, defended the leadership transition as a measure aimed at safeguarding player well-being and optimizing performance, particularly for fast bowlers like Afridi.
It is worth noting that Afridi’s appointment as T20I skipper came in the aftermath of Babar Azam’s voluntary resignation from the role in November 2023, following Pakistan’s lackluster performances in major tournaments.
