Shahid Afridi finds shortcomings in Babar Azam's captaincy
Cricket
His reaction comes after Afghanistan beat Pakistan in World Cup match
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Former skipper and star allrounder Shahid Afridi has expressed resentment over poor captaincy by Babar Azam in ongoing World Cup 2023.
The reaction comes after Afghanistan hammered Pakistan in historic triumph of eight wickets on October 23. It is for the first time that Afghanistan beat Pakistan in a World Cup match. The Team Green has suffered defeat in three consecutive matches.
Afridi, whose son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi is also part of the Pakistan squad, pointed out shortcomings in fielding, saying: “It seemed that we are in search of a miracle but it happens to those who show courage”.
He said a captain was all-in-all for the for the team. When the captain dived to catch the ball and gather players after every over to discuss strategy, all players exerted themselves. “When Inzimamul Haq had dived as captain we felt embarrassment for not showing performance,” he recalled.
Afridi said fielders in Afghanistan match should have been placed on forward positions in order to bring the opponent team under pressure.
“Being captain is an hounour but it comes with challenges,” the cricket great said, adding that it is skipper who is praised or criticised for the team’s performance.
The former allrounder, who is still hopeful for Pakistan’s comeback, said the body language showed by Babar Azam in the match and post-match press conference was discouraging as it would keep the win away from the team.
On the other hand, batting coach and former captain Mohammad Yousaf said that the Pakistan skipper seemed upset during the press conference. He said it was the whole team which shared burden for loss and win as only one mane could not be held responsible for it.
