- Shaheen Shah Afridi denied rumors of wanting the national team captaincy,
- In a recent interview, Afridi stated his focus is on cricketing duties, not leadership roles.
- Afridi emphasized that all team members are his friends and he always fights for his country.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has denied rumors of wanting the national team captaincy, stating his main goal is to represent Pakistan. Afridi, a crucial part of Pakistan’s bowling attack, is reportedly left out of the upcoming Test series due to misconduct allegations with the management.
Shaheen addressed the rumors and the alleged dispute with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour of Ireland and England.
In a recent interview, Shaheen Afridi emphasized that his focus is on his cricketing duties, not on leadership roles. He stated “All team members are my friends. I was raised well, and I always fight for my country.”
Afridi added. “I never think about captaincy. My prime focus is to represent my country and never bring negativity into the team.” The fast bowler also addressed the circulating reports about his alleged misconduct with Mohammad Yousuf. Local media suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might consider disciplinary actions against Afridi, possibly leading to his exclusion from the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh. Afridi expressed surprise over these rumors, stating, “I don’t know if I’m being dropped from the Test series [against Bangladesh]. My role is to play cricket, and I would do that with dignity.”
Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, noted that Afridi might miss the Bangladesh series due to personal reasons, as he and his wife are expecting their first child. “Shaheen might miss the Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him some rest if he wants to stay with his wife until then,” Gillespie said.
