Former Pakistan captain and iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi has put the budding news regarding his return as the next PCB Chairman to rest in his typical unfiltered style.
In a video circulating on social media, Afridi made it clear that any future involvement with the PCB would stem from a sense of duty to the game and the players, not ambition for power or titles. In a strongly worded statement during a media interaction, Afridi distanced himself from the internal politics often associated with cricket board appointments and reaffirmed his commitment to serving Pakistan cricket on merit—not through influence or backdoor channels.
“It wouldn’t suit me if I went to the PCB and asked them to make me the next Chairman. I don’t even need a contract from the PCB. If I ever join, it will be for Pakistan and the players, because I want to work at the grassroots level,” he said.
Shahid Afridi’s remarks come at a time when the position of the current PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, appears to be uncertain. Afridi himself has criticized Naqvi for holding a multitude of positions, which he believes are impacting cricket in Pakistan.
Speaking on his son-in-law Shaheen Afridi’s continued role with the national team, Shahid Afridi was just as open.
“If I were such an influential person (behind the scenes) with all the contacts I have, I would have been the chairman of the PCB. I don’t interfere in these things,” he added.
Shahid Afridi has long had an uneasy yet influential relationship with the PCB. While his playing days were filled with record-breaking performances and passionate leadership, his post-retirement phase has been equally active in shaping discourse around team selections, domestic structures, and player welfare.
In late 2022, under Najam Sethi’s interim setup, Afridi was handed the role of interim chief selector ahead of the New Zealand home series. However, Afridi chose not to continue in an extended capacity, citing structural issues and a lack of long-term clarity from the board. He has since remained a vocal observer—frequently weighing in on team matters, leadership calls, and the PCB’s direction.
Whether or not he joins the PCB in the future, one thing is clear: Afridi’s allegiance lies not with titles, but with the players who wear the star on their chest. And in an era where trust in cricket administration often wavers, that message might be exactly what fans and players need to hear.