WATCH: Ramiz Raja reacts to Afridi's claim on Shaheen's rehab

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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi, on Thursday, alleged Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of not taking care of their star pacer Shaheen Afridi in his rehabilitation process, before adding that the cricketer reached London spending his own money. 

Following the big claim, other veteran cricketers like Wasim Akram too lashed out at the board. But PCB chief Ramiz Raja put an end to these controversial claims on Friday.

Speaking to a local news channel in an interview, Afridi had said, "When I talk about Shaheen… that guy went to England on his own. He bought his own ticket, he spent his own money to stay in a hotel. I arranged a doctor for him, then he contacted the doctor. PCB is not doing anything, he was doing that on his own.”

However, Ramiz, during his conversation with on his YouTube channel on Friday, called it an “unfortunate controversy” and reminded fans how PCB's medical team had worked day and night when Mohammad Rizwan had fallen ill last year during the T20 World Cup.

 

Ramiz Raja speaks to clear the air around Shaheen Afridi’s treatment.

Convinced with his response?

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— Change of Pace (@ChangeofPace414) September 16, 2022

 

“How can you even think that PCB can disown Shaheen Afridi? It is beyond my understanding. It’s an unfortunate controversy," Ramiz said.

"When Rizwan fell ill during the T20 World Cup 2022, who took care of him? Our doctor's panel stayed up all night to treat him, they got him fit and they ensured he played in the final (semi-final).It could be that in this case, there was a lack of clarity," he added.

"Because he had to leave quickly from Dubai, maybe there was some ticketing issue. Because he went where he had to go, but he didn't like the place, so he went somewhere else.”

Raja signed off by saying, “But I would like to make one thing clear. Our players are our biggest stakeholders. Ask anybody. What we are doing, no cricket board doesn't do. And not just for players who play for the national team. First Class players, junior players as well.”

Earlier on Friday, PCB had released a statement saying that the left-arm pacer is “making excellent progress in his rehabilitation” before adding that they have always made arrangements for the “medical care and rehabilitation of all its players.”

“The PCB is also pleased to advise and update that Shaheen Shah Afridi is making excellent progress in his rehabilitation in London and is on track to make a full recovery in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022,” read the statement. “It goes without saying that the PCB has always been and will continue to be responsible for arranging medical care and rehabilitation of all its players requiring any treatment.”