Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has dispelled rumors about his interest in the national team’s captaincy, emphasizing his primary focus is on representing his country. Afridi, who was once a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, is reportedly being sidelined for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series following allegations of misconduct with management.
Shaheen addressed these speculations and the alleged dispute he had with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during the team’s tour of Ireland and England.
In a recent interview, Shaheen Afridi made it clear that his priority remains on his cricketing duties, not on leadership roles. He said,
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 mentioned that Afridi might miss the Bangladesh series due to personal reasons, as he and his wife are expecting their first child. “Shaheen can miss the Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him [some] rest if he wants to stay with his wife till then,” Gillespie said.
