Shaheen set to face PCB’s wrath

LAHORE:

Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent inappropriate behavior has upset the national team’s coaches and board officials, leading to the possibility of a strict action against him in the coming days.

A report submitted to the PCB by white-ball coach Gary Kirsten and Azhar Mahmood included comments regarding Afridi’s misconduct as well as his refusal to follow coaches’ directives, which disrupted the team’s harmony.

The report highlighted frequent clashes between Afridi and the coaching staff, leading to a lack of cohesion and discipline that severely impacted the team’s performance. It also revealed lobbying and grouping among the players, further exacerbating internal discontent.

According to sources, Afridi’s misconduct was especially noticeable during a practice session at Headingley on the recent England tour.

Batting coach Mohammad Yousuf pointed out that Afridi was bowling too many no-balls, to which the left-arm pacer curtly responded, “Let me practice for now and don’t talk in the middle.” This exchange led to a heated confrontation between the two.

Following the incident, Afridi was reprimanded by the team management and subsequently apologised to Yousuf in front of the entire team. The matter was dismissed after the apology.

Sources indicate that the responsibility for maintaining discipline within the team lies with the managers, and an investigation is underway to determine why no action was taken against Afridi’s misconduct.

Additionally, the investigation is looking into the formation of player lobbies within the team, which has been contributing to a negative atmosphere.

Coaches have also reported a non-serious attitude among some players, further deteriorating the team environment. This internal discord and lack of discipline among players have become significant concerns for team management.

The sources further added that Afridi may not be considered for the upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh next month. Furthermore, two to three senior cricketers might also be rested.

The plan is to provide more opportunities to domestic performers in the home series against Bangladesh. A training camp will take place in Rawalpindi to prepare for the two Test matches.

Babar, Shaheen to meet in GT20 opener

The GT20 Canada 2024 tournament commences on July 25 with an exciting match-up between the Vancouver Knights and the Toronto Nationals.

Shaheen Afridi and Romario Shepherd will bolster the Toronto Nationals, while the Vancouver Knights will rely on the experience of Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, and Mohammad Rizwan.

The league phase will span from July 25 to August 6, featuring each of the six franchises playing seven matches. The playoffs will begin on August 9, culminating in the final on August 11.

Throughout the tournament, there will be 21 league games over 13 days, interspersed with two non-match days.

Notably, the Canadian national squad, including captain Saad Bin Zafar, Nicholas Kirton, and Aaron Johnson, who recently made headlines by scoring a half-century at the ICC T20 World Cup, will also participate, adding to the event’s excitement.

BD name squads for series against Pak Shaheens

The BCB High-Performance Unit is set to embark on an extensive tour, beginning with two four-day matches against Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin starting from July 19.

Mahmudul Hasan, the Test opener, will captain the four-day squad, supported by middle-order batsman Shahadat Hossain, with another Test opener, Shadman Islam, also included in the squad for the longer-format games.

Following these fixtures, the HP Unit will shift focus to a 50-over tri-series involving Pakistan Shaheens and Northern Territory of Australia. Starting their campaign against Northern Territory on August 1, they will wrap up their matches against Shaheens on August 6.

The tour commences on July 13 and concludes with participation in the Northern Territory’s T20 Series, featuring Pakistan Shaheens and prominent teams from the Big Bash League.