The Pakistan Cricket Board has described the reported feud between Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, and Mike Hesson as “baseless, fabricated, and defamatory”. The board also stated that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible for propagating disinformation.
Previously, a social media post saying Hesson and Agha were upset with Afridi’s attitude was widely disseminated. The matter was elevated to PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi, who has refuted all of the reports as untrue.
“The PCB affirms that no such incident occurred during any training or practice sessions.”
“These malicious rumours are entirely fictitious and appear to have been deliberately concocted with clear malafide intent to sow discord within the national squad,” said the PCB in an official statement, as published by India Today.
“The PCB considers this a serious and premeditated defamation campaign, which is aimed at damaging the professional integrity of the individuals targeted and the collective environment of the squad,” according to the statement. Any individuals proven to be complicit in promoting false accusations will be held fully accountable under existing laws,” the statement continued.
The board called for prudence and urged media outlets to use caution while disseminating information.
“The PCB remains committed to protecting its players, staff, and the sanctity of the national team from unwarranted and harmful speculation,” a statement read.
Pakistan will play three Twenty20 Internationals against the West Indies, followed by the same number of One-Day Internationals. The Agha-led team won the first T20I by 14 runs, with Saim Ayub starring with both bat (57 off 38) and ball (2/20 in two overs).
Pakistan are coming off a 2-1 series loss to Bangladesh in the recently-concluded T20I series. It was the first time they had lost a 20-over series against The Tigers.
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