The Babar Azam-led Pakistan Cricket team was hosted by PCB’s interim chief selector Shahid Afridi for a dinner at his residence on the eve of the first ODI against New Zealand. In a video posted on Pakistan Cricket Board’s Twitter handle, the cricketers were seen having a good time at Afridi’s place along with legendary squash player Jahangir Khan, who was invited as the special guest.
Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi who has been on the sidelines for the last couple of months due to a knee injury was also one of the guests for the occasion and he was seen welcoming the players and the support staff including bowling coach Shaun Tait.
Watch the video here:
An evening spent at Shahid Afridi's house with the team getting a chance to meet legendary squash player Jahangir Khan 🤝#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/Z6BuoZRIJ9
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 7, 2023
“An evening spent at Shahid Afridi’s house with the team getting a chance to meet legendary squash player Jahangir Khan,” wrote PCB.
Shahid Afridi was named the interim chief selector by the PCB last month for the ongoing home bilateral series against New Zealand. It is now being reported that he is having second thoughts about continuing in this post after the conclusion of the series. Notably, Afridi had only accepted this position for the home series against the Kane Williamson-led side.
Pakistan and New Zealand ODI series started on January 10
Pakistan Cricket Board underwent a series of changes earlier this month as Ramiz Raja was sacked as the chairman, with Najam taking over the role. In addition, Shahid was also named the interim chief selector with fellow former cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum joining the former Pakistan captain in the panel. The changes came after Pakistan faced a 0-3 clean sweep defeat to England in the home Test series in November-December.
Talking about Pakistan’s recent ODI record, they have won eight of the nine one-day internationals last year, including a 2-1 series win over a formidable Australia at home. On the other hand, New Zealand, runners-up in the last World Cup in 2019, won ten of their 16 ODIs last year and have a strong unit led by Kane Williamson. They have been dominant against Pakistan, having won 12 of the last 15 ODIs played between the two teams.
