Pakistan ex-cricketer Salman Butt is upset with the management for not taking action against Shaheen Afridi. The Pakistani ace pacer was allegedly involved in a heated argument with their batting coach, Mohammad Yousuf.
Pakistan had an embarrassing outing in the T20 World Cup 2024. The 2022 T20 World Cup finalists couldn’t qualify for the Super Eight stage. Pakistan had an upsetting start to the tournament. The Babar Azam-led team couldn’t defend themselves in the super-over against the USA, which led to an astonishing win for the USA and a shameful loss for Pakistan. Furthermore, Pakistan lost to their arch-rivals India in their second game in a low-scoring thriller. After, crashing out of the tournament, Shaheen Afridi’s name has been flashing in the news over a feud with his batting coach.
Salman Butt Condemns Shaheen Afridi’s Conduct Towards The Batting Coach
Reacting to the incident of Shaheen Afridi’s behavior, Salman Butt has passed his judgment. The former skipper of Pakistan is upset with the management over the pacer’s conduct towards Mohammad Yusuf. The reports suggest Shaheen Afridi turned down Mohammad Yusuf’s advice, suggesting he mind his own business. Mohammad Yusuf warned Afridi over his bowling in the nets. The latter seemed to be bowling too many no-balls in the nets. Moreover, the dispute between the two occurred during Pakistan’s tour of England.
Salman Butt has opinioned his fury at the situation. The former cricketer and skipper of Pakistan wants strict action against Shaheen Afridi. Salman Butt blamed the management for such indiscipline acts in the squad. The former skipper suggested that the management could have dropped and replaced Shaheen. Speaking to a local sports channel in Pakistan, Salman Butt said,
“If the management thinks that Shaheen was not implementing the plans and was not cooperating with them intentionally, then they should have taken action. If he was not disciplined, then they should have dropped him and opted to go with some other player.”
Furthermore, Salman Butt condemned the management’s reaction to the situation. According to him, management’s job is to take action rather than complain. In addition, Salman Butt also said that the management gave a chance to Shaheen Afridi despite his behavior, and now there is no point in complaining. Later, the cricketer was concerned over the repetition of such behavior. He added,
“If you gave him full opportunity despite all these issues and are now complaining, I think anybody can do that. What’s the point of appointing [big names] with hefty salaries? Management’s job is not to complain but to take action.”
Pakistan will play two tests against Bangladesh in August in their home. Talking of Shaheen Afridi’s participation, coach Jason Gillespie has hinted towards his absence from the stint. The ace pacer of Pakistan might be rested for the series over workload. Moreover, Shaheen Afridi was also denied NOC (No Objection Certificate) by the Pakistan Cricket Board( PCB) for the Global T20 league in Canada. Reports also say that Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan are on the list of rejections for NOC alongside Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 Canada.
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