An investigation is currently underway to determine why team managers, responsible for enforcing discipline, did not take action against Afridi despite his behavior.
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 10th, 2024) Aftermath of Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 continued to unfold as it emerged that star bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi had been misbehaving with the coaching staff and management, the sources close to the development said on Tuesday.
An investigation is currently underway to determine why team managers, responsible for enforcing discipline, did not take action against Afridi despite his behavior.
The revelation follows the recent measures taken by the Pakistan cricket board (PCB), including the dismissal of Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the selection committee, in response to the team's poor performance in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Abdul Razzaq was part of both the men's and women's selection committees, while Wahab Riaz was a prominent figure in the men's seven-member selection committee, even after being removed as the panel chief earlier this year.
Pakistan Cricket Board, in a statement, confirmed the development, saying that both Wahab and Razzaq had been informed that their services are no longer required.
The official confirmed also stamped removal of team manager Mansoor Rana from his position.
According to sources, Wahab and Razzaq allegedly showed favoritism towards certain players, which led PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to remove them following an investigation.
The sources said that Wahab and Razzaq did not take any action against those who underperformed despite that other committee members expressed their concerns.
The players’ involvement in lobbying is also being under investigation. The benefits, if any, from the such activities, are also under probe, said the sources.
The sources said that the team's coaches reported to the PCB chairman about players' lack of seriousness and disciplinary issues during the recent tours.
The coaches had expressed concerns about players speaking against each other and the impact of players' families on their focus and performance.
In response to his removal, Wahab Riaz denied allegations that he had pressured the selection committee.
“’I’m not agree with the statements being made about pressure on the members of the selection committee,” said Wahab Riaz in response to the development.
He said that all decisions were documented in the minutes of the meetings.
Mohammad Yousuf, Asad Shafiq and Bilal Afzal, however, were retained by the PCB in the selection panel. The selection committee also comprised the team captain as well as the head coach.
According to the sources, a senior official had advised Wahab to accept the responsibility regarding selection of the players and should step down. But Wahab, according to the sources, did not step down after which he was removed.
Wahab announced that he would issue a formal statement later in the day.
