LAHORE: The fallout of Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 continues, with reports emerging that star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been involved in altercations with coaches and management staff, local media reported on Wednesday.
An investigation is underway to determine why team managers, tasked with maintaining discipline, did not act against Shaheen despite his behavior, media reported.
These developments come hours after the recent actions taken by the cricket board, including the dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee following the team’s disappointing performance and early elimination from the tournament.
Abdul Razzaq served on both the men’s and women’s selection committees, while Wahab Riaz remained a prominent figure within the men’s seven-member selection panel even after earlier stepping down as its head earlier this year.
In an official statement today, the PCB confirmed that both Razzaq and Wahab had been informed that their services were terminated.
With the removal of senior manager Wahab Riaz, the board has also relieved team manager Mansoor Rana of his duties.
Sources allege that Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq showed favoritism toward certain players, prompting PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to dismiss them after a thorough investigation into the matter.
It was noted that the players favored by Wahab and Razzaq were among those who failed to perform, despite opposition from other selection committee members.
Furthermore, the board is investigating players associated with lobbying and the potential benefits derived from it.
Sources also revealed that team coaches have raised concerns with the PCB chairman regarding player misconduct and disciplinary issues during recent tours.
Expressing dismay over players’ infighting, coaches have highlighted concerns about the impact of family distractions on players’ focus during matches.
In response to the board’s decision to remove him, Wahab Riaz has denied allegations of exerting pressure on the selection committee.
“I categorically deny allegations of influencing the selection committee,” Wahab stated on his X account.
He questioned how one vote could outweigh six, emphasizing that all decisions were documented in the meeting minutes.
Wahab Riaz announced plans to issue a detailed statement later in the day.
It should be noted that Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq, and Bilal Afzal have been retained in the selection panel, which includes the team captain and head coach.
