In a damage-control move, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held talks with Shaheen Shah Afridi to address his reservations over quotes attributed to him which he didn’t say.
Naqvi, who is also an interior minister, confirmed that he met the national team players in Kakul but did not disclose the details of the meeting.
“[I] Visited Army School of Physical Training in Kakul, Abbottabad to meet the national team players and to inspect the training being imparted to them,” he wrote on his official X handle.
“Extremely grateful to Pakistan Army, for arranging such a detailed and effective fitness camp in such a short span of time. Alhamdulillah I am highly Inspired by the incredible dedication and high spirits of the national team players,” he added.
The controversy surrounding Pakistan men’s team captaincy deepened further on Sunday when the board issued a statement announcing Babar Azam’s return as white-ball skipper that carried quotes from Shaheen as well.
This did not sit well with the pacer who was reportedly “furious” on the matter, the sources said.
“The former skipper had drafted a detailed rejoinder in this regard but was stopped at the last moment,” the sources said, adding that Afridi has been asked by the PCB to not speak on the matter.
The sources had said Shaheen, who was removed as captain unceremoniously after days of confusion, would share his “concerns” during the meeting with the PCB chief.
Naqvi was also expected to discuss the team’s future plans with Babar and Shaheen, the sources added.
