Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi recently shared candid insights into the internal politics of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), revealing that he could have become chairman had he chosen to engage in lobbying. Speaking at an event in Karachi, Afridi stressed his belief in integrity and merit, particularly when it comes to leadership roles within the national team.
Afridi made it clear that despite being the father-in-law of star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, he never attempted to influence PCB decisions or push Shaheen for leadership positions. He underscored the need for impartiality and transparency in cricket administration, emphasizing that personal relationships should never dictate team selections or appointments.
Backing the current leadership, Afridi voiced his support for Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s white-ball captain and Babar Azam as the ideal choice for red-ball cricket. His statements reflect not only his commitment to fair play but also shed light on the challenges within PCB when it comes to politics and power dynamics.
Afridi’s remarks serve as a call for reform in Pakistan’s cricket administration—urging greater transparency, merit-based selections, and reduced political interference to ensure the long-term success and credibility of the sport in the country.
