ormer Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has voiced concerns regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decisions on team leadership, particularly the appointment and subsequent removal of Shaheen Afridi as captain after just one series. Afridi believes that the PCB’s hasty decisions disrupt team progress and impact players’ confidence.
Speaking at an event at the Arts Council in Karachi, Afridi shared that while he wasn’t in favor of Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as captain, the PCB should have supported the young pacer longer to allow him to adapt to the leadership role. He emphasized that consistency in leadership is crucial for team stability.
“I wasn’t in favor of Shaheen’s appointment as captain. After Babar Azam, Rizwan was the best option. However, once you appoint someone, you must back them and allow them time to grow into the role,” Afridi stated.
Leadership Instability in Pakistan Cricket
Afridi linked the team’s performance issues to frequent leadership changes and shifts in PCB management. He stressed that the appointment of new PCB chairmen often leads to instability, which trickles down to the team.
“The problem lies in how everything changes with the appointment of a new chairman. This constant reshuffling disrupts the team’s progress,” he explained.
Afridi believes that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was the ideal candidate to succeed Babar Azam, praising his consistency and leadership qualities. Rizwan, who recently led Pakistan to a historic ODI series win in Australia, continues to shine as a leader for the national team.
Shaheen Afridi’s Removal and Pakistan’s Talent Pool
Shaheen Afridi’s short stint as captain, leading to a 1-4 T20I series loss in New Zealand, sparked debate. Afridi suggested that the PCB should have given Shaheen more opportunities to mature as a leader before removing him.
Despite his reservations about Shaheen’s leadership, Afridi expressed admiration for his contributions to Pakistan cricket and highlighted the country’s immense talent. He praised emerging players like Saim Ayub and Aamir Jamal, the latter whom he believes could replicate Abdul Razzaq’s all-rounder role for Pakistan.
Shahid Afridi on ICC Priorities and Pakistan-India Dispute
Afridi urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prioritize the growth of cricket over financial interests. Regarding the ongoing tensions with India, he supported the PCB’s firm stance against playing matches in India if they refuse to visit Pakistan.
“The ICC needs to decide whether it wants to promote cricket for everyone or focus on money,” Afridi remarked.
A Call to Preserve Traditions
Afridi also advocated for maintaining cement wickets in Karachi, which have historically produced some of Pakistan’s strongest batsmen. “Cement wickets have been crucial in shaping the technique and resilience of our players. It’s a tradition that shouldn’t be abandoned,” he concluded.
