Shahid Afridi, in a candid media interaction, didn’t hold back in assessing Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup and emphasizing the critical role of leadership in cricket teams, particularly comparing Babar Azam’s captaincy to that of Rohit Sharma’s for India.
Afridi underscored that a captain’s body language sets the tone for the entire team. Using Rohit Sharma as an example, he highlighted how Sharma’s aggressive and attacking style influences the confidence and approach of lower-order batsmen. Afridi suggested that such leadership qualities are crucial for team morale and performance.
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While expressing his ongoing commitment to Pakistan cricket, Afridi stressed the need for comprehensive reforms at the grassroots level. He emphasized that the real issues in Pakistani cricket lie at this foundational level, where investment and development are crucial to nurturing talent and preparing players for the national team from a young age.
Afridi called for structural changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), advocating for a separate board responsible for selections and tour schedules, independent of external influences. He proposed that decisions like selecting captains should solely be within the purview of a strong selection committee, ensuring transparency and consistency.
Overall, Afridi’s remarks highlighted his deep concern for the future of Pakistan cricket, urging meaningful reforms to address systemic issues and enhance the development pathways for aspiring cricketers in the country.
