Shaheen Afridi Furious Over PCB For Using His 'Fake Quote' After Babar Azam Made White-Ball Captain : Report

A new controversy is said to be brewing between Shaheen Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board. At the heart of the matter is a statement released by the cricket board on its website, purportedly on behalf of Afridi. In the statement, Afridi, who was recently relieved of Pakistan's white-ball captaincy, declared his full support for Babar Azam, who was reinstated as the captain ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

Afridi captained Pakistan in a single T20I series against New Zealand before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) opted to return the T20I and ODI leadership responsibilities to Babar. The stylish batsman had resigned from the captaincy following the team's failure to progress to the knockout stages of last year's 50-over World Cup. Shan Masood will remain as Pakistan's Test captain.

According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, Afridi is reportedly furious as he did not issue any such statement. The report alleges that the statement was released by the PCB without the fast bowler's consent. Additionally, it suggests that Afridi was on the verge of issuing a personal statement to address the 'fake' quote but was halted following an emergency meeting convened by the PCB. The report also mentions that another meeting has been arranged between Afridi and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to address the matter.

"It was an absolute honour to captain the Pakistan National Cricket Team. I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity. As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam," the statement read, released by PCB in behalf of Afridi.

"I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world," the statement added.

Babar said in the statement that he has always valued the speedster's input and he will always take his suggestions while making important decisions for the team in the near future.

"It was a pleasure to play under Shaheen's leadership. He is still young and is improving as a player and as a leader every day. As a captain, I have always valued his input and I will keep consulting him for important decisions going forward'', Babar said in the statement.

"We must take advantage of his strategic understanding of the game. Our joint aim is to make this team the best in the world," he added.