Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Khan Afridi on Thursday vehemently denied any involvement in discussions or lobbying for the appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20 captain.
Addressing the speculations surrounding his alleged efforts to keep Shaheen away from the captaincy, Afridi set the record straight in an exclusive statement.
"I swear, I never talked about making Shaheen the captain, nor did I ever lobby. I am not involved in these things. I don't have to, and I don't like it either," Afridi stated emphatically during a Samaa News program, Zor Ka Jor.
The rumors gained momentum after Shaheen Afridi was appointed as the T20 captain, prompting Afridi to clarify his position and put an end to the speculation.
Always tried to keep Shaheen away from captaincy because it always ends badly: Shahid Afridi#SamaaTV #WorldCup23 #Cricket23 #ZorKaJorh @SAfridiOfficial @Mushy_online @yousaf1788 @umairbashirr @sawerapasha pic.twitter.com/Ewuc1cBECB
— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) November 16, 2023
Afridi revealed that he had expressed his opinion regarding the captaincy during a discussion on the program when Zaka Ashraf sought his viewpoint.
"I said that Babar should not be removed from the captaincy. I wanted to keep Shaheen away from the captaincy. It has to happen; this is what happens to the captain in the end," Afridi explained, shedding light on his stance during the conversation.
The seasoned cricketer emphasised that his relationship with Shaheen could have led people to speculate about his support or lobbying, but he asserted, "I swear that I am neither interested in these things nor am I fond of them."
Afridi concluded by extending good wishes to the newly appointed Test captain, Shan Masood, and the T20 captain, Shaheen Afridi.
