Afridi Clarifies Meeting with Army Chief, Calls it Transparent and Pakistan’s Interest-Oriented

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi spoke to the media at the National Hockey Stadium and expressed serious concerns about Pakistan’s national sport, hockey.

Speaking about his meeting with the Army Chief, Afridi clarified that the meeting was neither secret nor suspicious. He explained, “I did not speak against anyone, nor was anything hidden. It was an open and transparent meeting in Pakistan’s interest.”

He said, “Hockey, our national sport, is in a terrible state, and the Sports Ministry is not paying any attention.” Afridi urged the government to immediately support hockey, adding that he hoped Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has a passion for sports, would take notice.

Speaking about India, Afridi said, “India never had the intention to play with Pakistan.” He called the recent Pahalgam incident an “Indian drama,” questioning how terrorists operated for an hour without any response from India’s eight lakh-strong army.

Afridi accused India of staging attacks against its own people and criticised their history of making major blunders. He emphasised that no country or religion supports terrorism, and Pakistan and Islam always preach peace and brotherhood.

Talking about cricket, Afridi recalled the confusion during the 2016 World Cup when Pakistan was unsure whether they would travel to India or not. He pointed out the hypocrisy, saying, “India’s kabaddi team can visit Pakistan, but their cricket team refuses.”

Afridi also criticised the lack of continuity in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and said that those who started PSL should have been the ones to keep it running. He mentioned that some franchise owners claim financial losses, while others have profited.

Commenting on Muhammad Rizwan’s statement after defeating South Africa, Afridi said, “A captain should not make excuses. Rizwan should not have said, ‘It’s not in my hands.’”

Afridi clarified that he has no personal connection with the Pakistan cricket team anymore but is ready to work at the grassroots level if needed.

Afridi also met Mohsin Naqvi, suggesting he focus only on his role as PCB Chairman. He praised Naqvi for his work in Punjab, saying, “He has already delivered well.”

Lastly, Afridi said that during the domestic season, Pakistani players should not be allowed to play in foreign leagues. Referring to Shoaib Malik, he said, “If Shoaib Malik is still fit, he deserves to play, but I cannot anymore.”