Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has strongly dismissed rumors of internal rifts within the national cricket team. Speaking in a video interview released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Shaheen emphasized that such speculations are baseless and misleading.
He explained that minor disagreements can happen in any team environment, just like within a family, but these should not be mistaken for serious conflicts. According to him, the squad’s ultimate goal remains the same: to play for Pakistan and bring joy to the nation.
Babar and Rizwan’s Role in Pakistan Cricket
Shaheen praised Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, describing them as “the true assets of Pakistan cricket.” He highlighted their invaluable contributions to the team’s success over the years and stressed the importance of respecting their efforts.
However, Shaheen also underlined the need to back younger players. He believes that trusting and supporting emerging talent is essential for the long-term strength of the national side. Instead of criticizing newcomers, fans and experts should give them confidence, as they, too, represent Pakistan’s future.
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Preparing for the Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup
Discussing upcoming tournaments, Shaheen said that the ongoing preparations will be crucial for Pakistan’s performance in both the Tri-Nation Series and the Asia Cup. He shared that the training camp has been very productive, with players showing strong commitment in practice sessions.
On Thursday night, the squad went through an intense workout, followed by a warm-up match at Dubai Stadium on Friday. According to Shaheen, these sessions not only boosted the players’ fitness but also helped in building confidence and team chemistry ahead of big challenges.
Young Players Ready for the Big Stage
Shaheen admitted that T20 cricket is never easy for any team due to its fast-paced nature, but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s young cricketers. He noted that the youngsters are well-prepared, determined, and eager to showcase their skills on the international stage.
He further added that having extra preparation time at the Dubai Stadium has been a huge advantage. The conditions there allow the team to sharpen their game, polish strategies, and enter major tournaments with high morale.
Focus First on the Tri-Nation Series, Then the Asia Cup
Looking ahead, Shaheen made it clear that Pakistan’s immediate target is to perform well in the Tri-Nation Series. Once that is completed, the full focus will shift to the Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan will aim to make a strong impression against tough regional rivals.
