Afridi urges PCB to boycott Indian cricket events, calls for self-reliance
text_fields
Karachi: Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has called on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to boycott cricketing events in India, including ICC tournaments, unless India agrees to send its team to Pakistan. Speaking at the Urdu Conference at the Karachi Arts Council, Afridi stressed the importance of self-reliance in Pakistan cricket to make strong, principled decisions in its dealings with India.
Afridi stated that Pakistan cricket needs to become self-sufficient to take decisive actions, particularly regarding its participation in events like the ICC Champions Trophy. He noted that if India continues to refuse to play in Pakistan, there is no justification for Pakistan to play in India.
The ICC Champions Trophy is scheduled to take place in Pakistan between January and March 2025. However, India has refused to play its matches in Pakistan, proposing a hybrid model where its games would be hosted at a neutral venue. ICC sources have confirmed that the governing body has agreed in principle to this arrangement, with India expected to play its matches in Dubai. This format may also extend to other multi-lateral events until 2027.
Afridi expressed support for the PCB's firm stance on hosting the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, despite delays caused by India's demands. He urged the ICC to prioritize fairness in cricket over financial gains, questioning whether the body is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all member nations or simply focused on revenue generation.
On domestic cricket matters, Afridi criticized the PCB's frequent policy changes, citing inconsistent handling of players and leadership roles. He referred to the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as T20 captain, explaining that while he initially believed Mohammad Rizwan was a better choice, the PCB’s abrupt decision to replace Shaheen after just one series was equally damaging to the player’s morale.
Afridi also highlighted the lack of a structured system to identify and nurture talent in Pakistan, pointing to the potential of rising players like Saim Ayub. He observed that despite an abundance of talent, many players fail to thrive due to the absence of proper grooming and development programs.
The former captain's remarks shed light on key issues in Pakistan cricket, including strained international relations and internal management challenges, as the sport navigates a complex landscape.
With PTI inputs