Shahid Afridi could reveal Pakistan cricket team’s ‘inside story’ after T20 World Cup

Captain either fosters a positive environment or deteriorates it, says former all-rounder

Pakistan cricket team’s former captain Shahid Afridi has said that he might disclose the “inside story” regarding the squad currently featuring in the ongoing T20 World Cup following the event.

In an interview with a local TV channel, Afridi was asked about the lack of unity within the team. Responding to the question, Afridi, who also served as chief selector, pointed to Mohammad Wasim, who was part of the panel.

"He knows a lot of things, and so do I, but we can't speak openly," the former captain remarked.

Afridi emphasised that the responsibility for team cohesion lies with the captain. "The captain either fosters a positive environment or deteriorates it," he noted.

The former all-rounder added that while coaches and team management play crucial roles, it is ultimately the captain who unites the team, supported by the selection committee. "On the field, it is the captain's job to make the team fight."

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Afridi expressed reluctance when discussing his relationship with fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, expressing concerns that his comments could be perceived as favoritism towards his son-in-law, despite his intent to be impartial. Afridi emphasised that he would call out his daughter, son, or son-in-law if they were in the wrong.

The former all-rounder stated that the selection committee and the board have made substantial mistakes in recent months. He promised to discuss these issues openly after the World Cup, asserting that it was their own people who had damaged the unity of the team.