Former captain Shahid Afridi opened up on the prospects of becoming the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying he can think about assuming the role if offered but not without certain conditions.
During his appearance at the Geo News Podcast, the star all-rounder was probed about the possibility of being approached for the aforesaid role in future.
Afridi, in response, shared that he can think about it but insisted he can never be a part of ‘lobbying’ and is firmly against using his contacts for personal gain.
"I can think about it, I can do it — why can't I?" Afridi responded.
"I cannot go to anyone for my personal gain or engage in lobbying. I can never do something like using my contacts to ask for a position, saying, 'I want this post.' I simply cannot do it; it’s just not possible for me.
When asked about what changes he would be implementing after assuming the role, Afridi reiterated the need for teamwork, emphasizing he cannot fix everything all on his own.
He further revealed his plans of surrounding himself with ‘professionals’ who have adequate knowledge about administrative matters and are sincere about the sport and the nation.
"Look, if I decide that I alone can fix everything, that would be a mistake on my part. I need a team. I need professional, technical people who understand cricket. You need to sit with them— 8 to 10 individuals or so — listen to them and execute a plan accordingly, whether it's about domestic cricket or other areas.”
“If I adopt a know-it-all, believing I can do everything on my own, that’s not how it works. There are people in this country who are sincere about cricket and this nation. You bring such minds together around you. The real responsibility is in building a team that will do the work and carry forward the vision. I can’t do everything myself."
The host then asked Shahid Afridi to share his views on his former teammates like Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz and Azhar Mahmood being continuously entrusted by the PCB for coaching or selection roles and also to reveal if the 47-year-old was ever approached for similar positions.
Afridi, in response, alleged PCB for rewarding individuals with ‘yes sir’ approach, which the all-rounder termed against his values.
"I feel like they want people who just say, 'Yes sir, I'll do it'. I might be wrong, but I can’t work like that. If you’ve given me a responsibility, then your involvement should end there. You’ve entrusted me with the job, so now wait for the results. I won’t work based on your constant input. If I’m unable to deliver, then thank you for giving me the opportunity, but I couldn’t do it."
- Shahid Afridi
