Shaheen Afridi comments on losing Pakistan captaincy to Babar Azam ahead of T20 World Cup: ‘Don’t test my patience…’

T20 World Cup 2024 is less than two months away, but the squabbling in the Pakistan cricket team seems to be far from over. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)'s decision to bring back Babar Azam to lead the team in the white ball format has not gone down well with players, especially Shaheen Afridi. 

Afridi took over the reins of the team after Babar Azam stepped down following the ICC World Cup 2023 debacle. 

Now, Shaheen Afridi has shared a cryptic Instagram story, which is linked to the recent squabbles in Pakistan cricket.

“Never ever put me in a position where I have to show you how cruel and ruthless I can be. Don't test my patience. Because I might be the kindest and sweetest person you've ever met, but once I reach my limit, you'll see me do the things that no one thought I was capable of doing,” said the caption of the Instagram post with a 29-second clip of a lion.

Afridi is reportedly irked with the PCB's decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the skipper of the Pakistan cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was forced to hold crisis talks with the pacer in a bid to thwart a public stand-off.

The Pakistan pacer was also miffed because PCB wrongly quoted him in a press release, though he did not make such a statement. "I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity," ESPN Cricinfo quoted the PCB statement, attributed to Shaheen Afridi.

"As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam. I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field. We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world," it further added.

Babar not the best choice to lead Pakistan?

The reappointment of Babar Azam as the skipper surprised Afridi, who believed Muhammad Rizwan was the best choice to lead the Pakistan team.

“I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee. I still believe that if change was necessary, then Rizwan was the best choice! But since now the decision has been made I offer my full support and best wishes to team Pakistan and Babar Azam,” the pacer said in a post on X.