Karachi: Seems to be a victim of Political muddling within ranks of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), former skipper Shahid Khan Afridi has once again not been chosen to lead Green Shirts in any format of cricket.
Backing of Chief Selector of PCB Iqbal Qasim proves futile for the Boom Boom Afridi as key person in selecting captains Intikhab Alam was reportedly opposing him.
This is for the first time that Pakistan has announced different captains for one-days, Twenty20 and Test cricket.
Pakistan’s lead coach David Whatmore is the mastermind and suggester behind nominations for separate teams for all formats of the game.
PCB sources say there was difference of opinion on appointing new captains for one-days, Twenty20 and Test cricket among coach, chief selector and the administration.
In his recommendation report, Whatmore suggested to make Misbahul Haq captain for Test, Shahid Afridi for one-days and Shoaib Malik for T20. Â However chief selector objected Malik as the captain and termed him troublemaker in dressing room.
“Team got disturbed in 2010 due to Shoaib,” Iqbal Qasim quoted as saying in his report.
“Afridi was the key player in getting the team on track of success after Spot Fixing Scandal a couple of years back.”
“Under captaincy of Boom Boom Afridi, the team got united and played like a unit subsequently performing well and getting better in international ratings so he should be given captaincy for one-days and T20.”
Nevertheless, highly influential Intikhab Alam, PCB’s Director International Cricket, reported against Afridi and Malik.
Enjoying most of the influential posts of the board for last two decades, Alam is considered an expert in remaining close to board chairmen.
“His negative reports laid foundations of getting Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik off the captaincy race,” PCB sources said.
 “Recent performance of both the players was also questioned by veterinary expert with opinion that internal politics would resume if they were made captains again.”
After these consultations, Abdul Hafeez was chosen as new captain for T20 and Misbah for 1-days and test matches.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription