Shahid Afridi, the legendary Pakistan all-rounder, has weighed in on the rumors surrounding Babar Azam’s potential removal as captain and player from the national team. Afridi stressed that Pakistan cannot afford to drop Babar, as there is no suitable replacement for him.
Afridi’s comments come after Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup, which led to speculation about the future of several senior players, including Babar. Former Pakistan captains like Wasim Akram, Salman Butt, and Afridi himself have questioned Babar’s leadership and form.
However, Afridi believes that dropping Babar would be a hasty decision, especially when there are no suitable alternatives available. “If you want to drop Babar, not as a player, do you have anyone to replace him? Do you have any performer like Babar?” Afridi asked rhetorically.
Afridi also emphasized the importance of selecting players from the domestic circuit, rather than picking players based on a few impressive innings. “If we continue to select players on the basis of 2-3 innings and ignore stars of domestic cricket, it’s harsh on those who perform in the domestic circuit for years,” he said.
Pakistan’s selection committee has been criticized for its inconsistent selection policies, with many players being selected without consistent performances in domestic cricket. Afridi urged the PCB to prioritize domestic performers, rather than relying on occasional flashes of brilliance.
Afridi’s comments are a stark reminder of the challenges facing Pakistan cricket. The team’s struggles in the T20 World Cup have highlighted the need for a more consistent and stable approach to selection and team management.
As Pakistan prepares to face Ireland in their final group stage match, the team’s future remains uncertain. Babar Azam’s leadership and form have come under scrutiny, and the PCB’s decision to re-appoint him as captain has been questioned by many.Afridi’s words of caution serve as a reminder that drastic changes may not be the solution to Pakistan’s problems. Instead, a more thoughtful and strategic approach is needed to develop a strong and consistent team.
