Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi lost his cool during the captains’ press conference ahead of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026. Shaheen Afridi will lead Lahore Qalandars in PSL 2026.
Shaheen is the first captain to win three PSL titles, leading Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023 and then another triumphant victory in 2025. Now, he will be aiming for a fourth title, and he already started the fireworks with his attitude in the press conference.
During the PSL 2026 captains’ press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 25, a journalist asked Shadab Khan about the rumors of him taking over the T20I captaincy. Babar Azam was then asked about his strike rate and his place in Pakistan’s T20 team, followed by Shaheen Afridi about his possible role as captain.
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These questions left Shaheen Afridi frustrated, as the fast bowler made it clear that he did not want to discuss the Pakistan national cricket team and strongly reminded the media that all questions should be focused only on the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and not on the national side.
Afridi was heard telling the press in the viral clip: “Don’t ask about Pakistan. We are currently playing Pakistan Super League (PSL), so ask questions only on PSL. When we play for Pakistan, you can ask questions about Pakistan, and we will answer those questions.”
Pakistani journalist cooks Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam
Brother really woke up and chose violence!
The man openly questioned Babar’s T20 strike rate and asked if he deserves his place as a T20 player, then immediately went after Shaheen’s captaincy abilities. pic.twitter.com/5HrkwdbGYX
– Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) 25 March 2026
The clip quickly went viral, as Pakistani cricket comes under heavy scrutiny after a series of disappointing results. The Men in Green have failed to reach the semi-finals in four consecutive ICC events. In the 2026 T20 World Cup, they were eliminated at the Super 8 stage despite a win over Sri Lanka as their net run rate was much lower than that of New Zealand and England.
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David Warner classed Afridi, Rizwan and Labuschagne for whispering in press conference
Well, the drama did not end there as former Australian opener David Warner, who is captaining the Karachi Kings, scolded Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Marnus Labuschagne for their unprofessional behavior at the captains’ press conference in Lahore.
In fact, when Warner was speaking, Shaheen, Rizwan and Labuschagne were seen whispering and laughing among themselves. Warner became angry at this chatter and his irritation was clearly visible.
Warner jokingly called them over to distract them and said, “What’s the matter, gentlemen? Sorry, we’ve got some schoolchildren here.” This clip went viral on social media.
“We have some school kids here” ???
David Warner pic.twitter.com/PkoWClHHt1
– Mohammad Aizaz (@SeedaBalla93) 25 March 2026
PSL 2026 to be held behind closed doors
On the other hand, PSL 2026 will take place behind closed doors due to security concerns.
The PCB Chairman said, “PSL is our international brand, and with the involvement of foreign players, we also have to consider our credibility. Postponing the tournament was not a viable option, especially when there is no window available at the end of the year. That is why, after consultations, it was decided that the PSL will start from March 26.”
He said, “I want to apologize to the people of Peshawar. We had promised matches there, but unfortunately due to circumstances we are unable to fulfill them. We will ensure that they are accommodated in some way or the other in the future.”