PCB Dismisses Rift Rumours Between Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha; Warns of Legal Action
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly denied rumours of a rift between star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, and head coach Mike Hesson, calling the claims “baseless, fabricated, and defamatory.”
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the PCB refuted social media posts that alleged internal tensions and reported complaints to chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The Board said no such incident occurred during training or practice sessions and that the rumours were designed to disrupt team harmony.
“These false claims appear to be a deliberate attempt to create division within the squad and damage the reputation of the individuals involved,” the PCB said. It also announced plans to initiate strict legal proceedings—including defamation and cybercrime charges—against those responsible.
Shaheen Afridi had faced online backlash after the unverified post went viral, raising concerns about unrest within the camp ahead of Pakistan’s ongoing tour of the West Indies.
Labeling the episode a “premeditated defamation campaign,” the PCB urged media outlets, digital platforms, and the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. “The PCB remains committed to protecting its players, coaching staff, and the integrity of the national team from such damaging speculation,” the statement added.
Pakistan are currently in the Caribbean for a six-match white-ball series. The T20Is begin August 2, followed by three ODIs on August 8, 10, and 12.
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