‘Is Somebody Ill?’: Shaheen Afridi Trolls Mohsin Naqvi’s ‘Major Surgery’ Remarks

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi recently took a lighthearted jab at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following his comments about the need for “major surgery” in the Pakistan cricket team.

Naqvi’s comments came after the Green Shirts’ poor performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Babar Azam-led squad faced a humiliating group stage exit after losing to first-timers, the United States and arch-rivals India.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shaheen Afridi couldn’t resist a humorous dig at Naqvi’s remarks. “Kiski surgery? Koi beemar hogaya hai? (Whose surgery? Is somebody ill?)” he joked, prompting laughter from those present.

 

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Naqvi’s Disappointment

Last month, Naqvi expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance after Pakistan suffered a narrow loss against arch-rivals India. He hinted at major changes in the Pakistan team after the World Cup.

“I thought the team required minor surgery to start winning matches but now it appears that we have to go for major surgery. It is very disappointing the way we lost to the USA and now this loss to India. We need to now start looking at players beyond those in the team right now,” said Naqvi.

“Why the team is not performing is something everyone is asking. The World Cup is still on. But obviously, we will sit down and take a look at everything,” he added.

Leadership Changes and Rumored Rifts

Naqvi, who took charge of the PCB earlier this year, immediately sacked Shaheen Afridi from the T20I captaincy and reinstated Babar Azam. Shaheen had captained the team in one series, losing 4-1 to New Zealand, before being removed from the role.

Rumours of a rift between Babar and Shaheen have persisted since the captaincy switch. Reports suggest the team is divided into three groups, with Babar and Shaheen leading two major factions. This division is believed to have contributed to Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

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