Turmoil in Pakistan cricket: Shaheen Afridi faces allegations of misconduct

Recent reports have emerged regarding disturbances within the Pakistan cricket team, specifically involving fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. According to sources cited by Geo News, Afridi allegedly misbehaved with head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood during the Ireland-England tour and the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite these allegations, no immediate action was taken against him by the team managers present during these events.

The reports indicate a lapse in discipline management, with team managers failing to address Afridi’s purported inappropriate behavior. “Maintaining discipline in the team was the responsibility of the managers, which is why it is being investigated why action was not taken against Shaheen despite misbehaving,” the report emphasized. This has raised questions about the managerial oversight and disciplinary protocols within the team.

Beyond the individual accusations against Afridi, there appears to be broader concerns regarding the general conduct and commitment of the players. Allegations of lobbying within the team and a lack of seriousness about the competition have prompted an investigation. The coaches have reportedly raised these issues directly with the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), signaling deep-seated problems that could affect team performance and morale.

In response to the disappointing outcomes in recent tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, the PCB has made significant changes to its selection committee. Former Test players Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq have been removed from their positions within the committee, which also involved the national team captain and a data analyst. The PCB has announced that further updates on the committee’s composition will be provided in due course, reflecting ongoing adjustments to improve governance and selection processes.

The situation within the Pakistan cricket team highlights challenges in maintaining discipline and cohesion under the pressures of international competition. The PCB’s response to these incidents, coupled with its structural adjustments to the selection committee, underscores a commitment to reforming both the administrative and competitive aspects of the team. The outcome of these investigations and changes will be crucial in setting the future course for Pakistan cricket, both on and off the field.