'If I had influence, I’d be PCB chairman today': Shahid Afridi
Former captain Shahid Afridi says the body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. Photo: PCB
Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has said he would already be the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) if influence alone determined appointments, while also expressing concern over the state of cricket development in the country, Express News reported.
Speaking to media in Gilgit, Afridi said, “If I had influence, I’d be the PCB chairman today. During our time, the national team had many match-winners — now, there aren’t as many.”
He stressed the need for strong development at grassroots level. “In Under-16, 17, and 19 teams, players need to be taught. We need capable people at the lower levels to train these players properly,” he said.
Afridi also criticised the structure of domestic cricket and the political nature of PCB appointments. “If you hand over domestic cricket to a bureaucrat, no one will understand it,” he remarked. “Every PCB chairman comes in on political grounds. Changing faces won’t change the system.”
Addressing local talent, Afridi said, “If there’s talent in Gilgit-Baltistan, it won’t go to waste.” He added that if he were to join the PCB in any capacity, it would be for the sake of Pakistan. “I don’t want any contract or perks,” he stated.