Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Prompt PCB to Enforce Ban on Pakistani Players' Social Media Live Streams

In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering implementing a stringent policy against its centrally contracted players participating in Q&A sessions on their respective social media handles. This decision follows an instance involving star batter Babar Azam and T20I captain Shaheen Afridi engaging in such a session.

The PCB has observed the activities of their senior players and believes that it would not set a positive example for aspiring cricketers. This decision stands out as unusual for the cricket board, which often makes headlines for negative reasons rather than positive ones.

The PCB has seen frequent changes in presidency, akin to the fluctuating fortunes of the Indian cricket team during ICC events, a fact widely known. Their internal issues seem to reflect in the players’ performances, which have been subpar for the past year.

The Pakistani team has faced difficulties in winning series away from home, except against Zimbabwe and other weaker opponents. Their recent challenges abroad included consecutive series losses in Australia and New Zealand last month.

Pakistan’s tour of Australia commenced with a 3-match Test series following their disappointing group stage exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, which also saw Babar Azam resign from captaincy across all formats. Shan Masood was appointed as the new Test captain, while Shaheen Afridi assumed leadership of the T20I team.

They suffered a whitewash from Australia in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy 3-match Test series before continuing their losing streak against New Zealand in a 5-match T20I series. The Kiwis posed as formidable opponents just as the Australians did, winning the first four T20Is before allowing Pakistan to salvage the fifth, sparing them from complete humiliation.

Now, with certain players participating in franchise leagues and engaging with fans through Q&A sessions on social media platforms, the PCB identifies potential issues arising from these activities as well.

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PCB Initiates Talks with Player Agents Regarding Rigorous

PCB’s primary motive behind enforcing stringent social media guidelines on national players is to prevent any potential controversies. Consequently, the cricket board has opted to introduce specific regulations to limit Q&A sessions.

Additionally, the board has initiated discussions with players and their representatives regarding this issue. This action was prompted by an incident involving star bowler Shaheen Afridi, who responded to a question regarding the availability of left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June by stating that he would inquire with Amir about it.

It’s noteworthy that this development occurred just days after Mohsin Naqvi, the interim Punjab CM, was elected as the new PCB chairman on a 3-year contract, succeeding interim chair Zaka Ashraf.