"Put your head down..." - Ex-Pakistan cricketer slams Shaheen Afridi for disrespecting Mohammad Yousuf
Published - 16 Jul 2024, 02:38 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM
Former Pakistan cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman recently slammed left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi for his disrespectful behavior towards coach Mohammad Yousuf during the T20 World Cup 2024. Atiq-uz-Zaman stated that Shaheen Afridi should respect Mohammad Yousuf and follow the instructions without question.
Shaheen Afridi has faced criticism for displaying a disrespectful attitude during the T20 World Cup 2024, where Pakistan failed to advance past the group stage. He reportedly missed team discussions before key matches and had a dispute with coach Mohammad Yousuf during training, according to Geo News.
The report added that Yousuf advised Afridi to avoid bowling no-balls during the nets. The left-arm pace bowler allegedly responded disrespectfully, saying, "Let me practice for now and don’t talk in the middle." The coaches and team officials reportedly submitted a report to PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.
"Shaheen misbehaved with the coaches and management during recent tours but no action was taken by the team managers on the pacer's inappropriate behaviour," a source was quoted as telling Geo News.
Shaheen Afridi could face disciplinary action. If the PCB takes the allegations against him seriously, Afridi might be excluded from the side for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh on home soil. The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Rawalpindi, starting on August 21.
Mohammad Yousuf Is Part Of The Pakistan Team - Atiq-uz-Zaman
Atiq-uz-Zaman highlighted the importance of addressing the no-ball issue in practice sessions. He emphasized that Mohammad Yousuf, as part of the team, has the authority to advise bowlers on this matter.
Afridi has faced a challenging year, starting with losing the T20I captaincy after leading for just one series. He accused the PCB of fabricating quotes in his name on their official website following Babar Azam's re-appointment as captain. Rumors of a rift between Afridi and Azam surfaced before the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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