Shaheen Afridi files complaint after LPL selection blunder

WEB DESK: Pakistan T20I captain Shaheen Afridi has lodged a complaint with the Lanka Premier League’s Anti-Corruption Unit after being left out of a match due to a team management error.

Kandy Royals officials reportedly informed the left-arm pacer before their match against Colombo Capitals that he would feature as an “impact player”, a rule that allows teams to replace one player during a match.

However, during the game, the team management informed Shaheen that his name had not been included in the final team sheet due to an analyst’s mistake. The development surprised the Pakistani fast bowler, who immediately raised the matter with an Anti-Corruption Unit official.

Following the incident, Shaheen decided to return to Pakistan, but the issue was brought to the attention of the match referee. Later, franchise officials and league organisers apologised for the mistake and convinced him to continue participating in the tournament.

An LPL spokesperson later clarified that the incident occurred due to the submission of an incorrect team sheet to the match referee.

The controversy comes amid further scrutiny around the Lanka Premier League after the arrest of Jaffna Kings owner Manjot Karla by Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit over alleged fixing concerns. The organisers subsequently revoked the franchise’s ownership rights, with Sri Lanka Cricket and the organising company now overseeing the team.

Shaheen has represented Kandy Royals in the tournament, taking one wicket for 41 runs in his opening match, followed by two wickets for 34 runs in the second game and one wicket for 32 runs in the third. He did not feature in the team’s most recent match.

Several other Pakistani players, including Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan and Mohammad Wasim Jr, are also taking part in the LPL. In contrast, Pakistani umpire Asif Yaqoob has been appointed for the tournament.