Pakistan's pace bowling talisman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, looks set to be cast out of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh next month. This development comes amidst reports of a fiery altercation with coaches during the team's recent tours and the disappointing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.
According to Pakistani media outlets, including Geo TV, Afridi found himself at loggerheads with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf during a practice session at Headingley. Yousuf, a well-respected figure in Pakistani cricket, apparently expressed concern about Afridi's frequent overstepping. Afridi, however, responded in a dismissive manner, suggesting he preferred to focus on his bowling without "mid-pitch chatter."
This incident reportedly escalated into a heated exchange, ultimately forcing the team management to step in. Afridi was subsequently compelled to apologise to Yousuf. It's worth noting that this wasn't an isolated event. Earlier reports from Pakistani media claimed similar accusations of misconduct levelled against Afridi by head coach of the white-ball team, Gary Kirsten, during the recent tours.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently conducting a rigorous investigation into the team's underwhelming performance at the T20 World Cup.
This inquest has already witnessed the departure of former players Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection panel, with further changes anticipated.
Afridi's alleged behaviour casts a long shadow over his immediate future, with a potential omission from the Test squad for the Bangladesh series a very real possibility.
