Shaheen Shah Afridi furious with PCB over misquotes: Report

Pakistan cricket team’s captaincy saga saw an absurd turn on Sunday with Shaheen Shah Afridi believed to be upset with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the statement put out on his behalf. As per an ESPNCricinfo report, Afridi never said the words PCB are carrying on their website in reference to the appointment of Babar Azam as the T20 skipper.

Afridi was removed as Pakistan captain after just one series, a loss to New Zealand, with the leadership responsibility going back to Azam. The move left the left-arm seamer unimpressed and the latest move only added to his frustration.

A few hours after Azam was re-appointed captain, a press release was put out in which words from Afridi pledged support to Azam and stated it was “an honour” to lead Pakistan.

“I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity,” the statement, attributed to Afridi, said. “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.”

As per the report, Afridi said none of the words attributed to him. This will only making things tense inside a camp where unity has been tested due to PCB’s repeated turns.

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The writing was on the cards for Afridi when PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi didn’t back him at a press conference. But what has irate the bowler is the lack of communication by the board. The 23-year-old feels he’s not been told why the team is moving to another captain. PCB’s latest behind-the-back attempt would not have helped either.