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An incident involving fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and Muhammad Yousaf has come to light, with Shaheen Afridi apologizing to coach Yusuf after management intervened. The issue reportedly occurred during a practice session at Headingley, preceding the T20 World Cup, where Yousuf pointed out Afridi’s repeated no-balls. This led to a disagreement escalating into an argument between the two. However, team management stepped in, reprimanding Afridi and prompting him to apologize to Yusuf in front of the team, resolving the matter amicably. The coaches also reported Afridi’s behavior during the World Cup. Additionally, there were discussions about potential disciplinary action against Afridi and a few other players, emphasizing the need for a more unified approach within the team.
The incident was described as a ‘heat of the moment’ issue, showcasing the intense dynamics within the team. Furthermore, plans were made to provide greater opportunities to domestic performers in upcoming series against Bangladesh. The selection committee is contemplating the formation of a pool of over 40 players, with emphasis placed on fitness levels meeting international standards. The coaches highlighted concerns about Pakistan players’ fitness levels not meeting global benchmarks, impacting their performance adversely. In response, a training camp in Rawalpindi is planned for the preparation of upcoming Test matches, showcasing the team’s commitment to improvement and addressing internal issues.
In light of recent events, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has been actively involved in addressing team concerns, meeting with coaches and former cricketers to strategize the path forward. With the upcoming series against Australia and Bangladesh, the team is in a phase of introspection, aiming to bounce back from recent setbacks and strengthen their performance across formats. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story. Follow us on social media for the latest developments and exclusive content.
