Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi has raised eyebrows over the appointment of Babar Azam as Pakistan’s T20I captain, replacing Shaheen Afridi. Expressing surprise, Afridi questioned the decision made by the experienced members of the selection committee, suggesting that Mohammad Rizwan would have been a better choice if a change in leadership was deemed necessary.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently announced Babar Azam’s appointment as the white-ball captain, encompassing ODIs and T20Is. This decision comes after Shaheen Afridi’s brief stint as T20I captain earlier this year, during which Pakistan faced a series loss against New Zealand. Additionally, Afridi’s franchise, Lahore Qalandars, under his leadership, ended at the bottom of the Pakistan Super League table.
In response to the decision, Shahid Afridi expressed his astonishment, particularly towards the selection committee’s judgment. He took to social media to voice his thoughts, stating, “I am surprised by the decision by very experienced cricketers in the selection committee.” Afridi went on to suggest that Mohammad Rizwan would have been a more suitable candidate for captaincy.
While acknowledging the decision, Afridi extended his support and best wishes to Babar Azam and the Pakistani team. He emphasized the importance of backing the newly appointed captain as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Babar Azam, known for his batting prowess, will now lead Pakistan in the forthcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on April 18. This series will serve as his first assignment as captain since the announcement of his leadership role.
The appointment of Babar Azam brings both excitement and skepticism within the cricketing community. While many applaud his skills and leadership potential, others, like Afridi, raise valid questions regarding the selection process and the criteria used to determine the captaincy.
As Pakistan gears up for a new era under Babar Azam’s leadership, the spotlight remains on the team’s performance and cohesion. The captaincy transition marks a significant moment in Pakistan cricket, with fans and pundits eager to witness how Babar Azam steers the team towards success.
In the midst of debates and discussions, one thing remains certain – the unwavering support of cricket enthusiasts for their beloved team. Regardless of individual opinions, the focus now shifts to rallying behind Babar Azam and the Pakistani team as they embark on a new chapter in their cricketing journey.
