Row in Pakistan Cricket continues to make headlines. Per the latest reports, the senior campaigner and ace pacer Shaheen Afridi has landed in trouble for misbehaving with the batting coach Mohammad Yousuf. The incident is said to have happened during one of the training sessions during the England T20Is ahead of the marquee event in the Americas. The local media is anticipating disciplinary action against Shaheen for his behaviour.
The incident happened when Yousuf questioned Shaheen over bowling regular no-balls (during a spell in the nets), to which Shaheen rudely replied, “Let me do what I am doing, and you mind your own business.”
A source close to the information also informed Geo News in Pakistan that the matter was “nothing more than a routine case of the heat of the moment”, and thus got shut down there only, without anyone complaining to the PCB.
The report also suggested that Shaheen apologised to Yousuf for his misconduct.
However, in the report submitted to the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, there is an outright mention of this incident, with the source claiming the ball is in the chairman’s court, who will take any action against the world-class seamer.
“We have to mention all that had happened during the World Cup campaign. It is up to the PCB chairman to decide on the matter,” an official said, as quoted by The Indian Express.
With Pakistan hosting Bangladesh for two Tests in August, the reports suggest Shaheen might miss the series. Although another unnamed official backed Afridi to make it to the playing XI, he agrees that Shaheen must face some heat for the PCB to set a precedent. Per the source, the board might take an alternative action against him.
“I would rather suggest revoking Shaheen’s NOC for foreign leagues. His demotion from A category contract is also an option available to the PCB.”
“However, the chairman has the final authority to decide on the matter. He has the power to even pardon the fast bowler,” the source claimed.
Pakistan’s packed home schedule
Following the Bangladesh Tests that begin on August 21 in Rawalpindi, England and West Indies will also tour Pakistan for the Test series during the upcoming season.
Although Pakistan will travel to South Africa for an all-format series later this year, they will host a tri-series, including South Africa and New Zealand, just ahead of the home Champions Trophy 2025 in February and March.
(With inputs from agencies)