Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @CMZakaAshraf, Instagram Photo of @safridiofficial
Former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has strongly refuted Shahid Afridi‘s claims that he recommended appointing Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s captain. Afridi, a renowned cricketer, had expressed his support for Rizwan as captain, but Ashraf dismissed Afridi’s statements as false and unfounded.
Shahid Afridi has recently made headlines for advocating Mohammad Rizwan as Pakistan’s next captain, stating that he never wanted his son-in-law, Shaheen Afridi, to take on the responsibility of captaincy and fully supported Rizwan for the role.
However, in a surprising development, former PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf has publicly disputed Afridi’s claims. “I didn’t receive any such advice (from Shahid Afridi),” Ashraf told reporters.
With both cricket veterans at odds, Pakistan cricket finds itself mired in controversy, with reputations at stake. The team’s on-field performance has been equally troubling, underperforming across all formats, while leadership in each format faces intense scrutiny.
Test captain Shan Masood and ODI/T20I captain Babar Azam have struggled to guide the team through difficult times. Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, including a shocking loss to Afghanistan.
Following the World Cup, Babar stepped down as T20I captain, and Shaheen Afridi took over, only to be replaced after a 4-1 series defeat to New Zealand. Babar was then reinstated as T20I captain by new PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Pakistan’s loss to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup marked another low point, drawing ire from fans and former players alike.
The growing rift between Afridi, who backs Rizwan for captaincy, and Ashraf, who denies Afridi’s claims, has further fueled the turmoil. Recent defeats, including a loss to Ireland and a Test series whitewash against Bangladesh, have deepened the crisis for Pakistan cricket, leaving leadership in doubt and the team under immense pressure.
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