WEBDESK (Azaad English): Former Pakistan national team captain Shahid Afridi has revealed corruption in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging that players are being chosen to play in the national team on the basis of bribes and recommendations, wondering how the team can improve under such conditions.
While talking to media, Shahid Afridi, who is famous for his hard hitting batting and bold statements, said, “How will the team progress when players are being selected on the basis of money and Intercession?”
He further clarified that he does not seek any contracts from the board and has always been willing to step in whenever needed. He emphasized his commitment to working at the grassroots level to nurture young talent.
“I’m always available whenever the Pakistan Cricket Board needs me. I’m ready to contribute at the grassroots level to develop cricket in Pakistan,” Shahid Afridi said.
Moreover, Shahid Afridi also emphasized the need for former cricketer Mohammad Yousuf’s services not with the national team but at the National Cricket Academy so that he may assist batsmen in improving their techniques and getting better. Afridi was perplexed as to why Pakistani cricket stars are so keen to assume coaching posts or other roles with the national team. “I don’t know why our stars want to be a part of coaching or working in positions with the national team,” Afridi added.
The ex-all-rounder also exposed shocking information regarding the grassroots of cricket, where he found that regional presidents at Under-13, Under-16, and Under-19 levels are accepting money and providing players with places on recommendations, a move that is destroying the future of cricket in Pakistan.
“When you’re not giving justice to young players at the grassroots level, what kind of results can we expect from them?” he asked.
Afridi’s explosive remarks have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the system and whether the Pakistan Cricket Board can ensure fairness in player selection and the overall development of the sport in the country.
This news breaks at a time when the national team is under growing pressure to deliver on the global arena, and opinion is widespread that reforms are long overdue to rectify systemic problems in the PCB. Where as India defeated New Zealand in finals by 4 wickets and is crowned as Champions Trophy 2025 winner.
