Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, visited Kakul in Abbottabad on Monday to oversee the ongoing fitness program being conducted by trainers from the Pakistan Army for Pakistan's T20I players ahead of the upcoming series against New Zealand.
During his visit, Chairman Naqvi engaged directly with the players, personally acknowledging their commitment and active involvement in the camp.
The PCB released a photo of Naqvi and Afridi shaking hands, although there was reportedly no extensive discussion between them. Afridi had been upset by a statement, issued after his removal from the T20I captaincy, which contained words not authorized or spoken by him. The PCB acknowledged this error and conveyed to Afridi that it was an internal mistake. Despite feeling unjustly removed from the captaincy, Afridi expressed his willingness to move forward from the ordeal.
Furthermore, Naqvi convened a meeting with the selection committee to discuss the team's composition for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, also in attendance.
Chairman Naqvi briefed the committee members on the progress made by the PCB regarding the appointment of the head coach.
Expressing gratitude, Chairman Naqvi extended heartfelt thanks to the Pakistan Army for their invaluable support to Pakistani cricketers.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Army for their support to our cricketers. Their collaboration will not only enhance the fitness levels of our players but will also make them more disciplined in future,” Naqvi said.
He emphasized the significance of the fitness camp in preparing the players for the challenging journey ahead, leading up to the global tournament in the USA and West Indies.
"This camp will surely put the players in good stead before undertaking a challenging journey leading to a global tournament in the USA and West Indies,” he added.