Furious Afridi on ‘baffling’ chief selector stint with Babar’s team: “Pakistan captain had a single option and a coach another.”

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Furious Afridi

In addition to describing Pakistan’s failure at the Asia Cup, Shahid Afridi recalled his own stint as chief selector at the PCB earlier this year.

 

In the Asia Cup 2023’s “virtual semi-final,” Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in a dismal result, squandering the chance to go to the final against India. In a 42-over encounter in Colombo that was hampered by rain, Sri Lanka won on the game’s penultimate delivery. With an unbroken 49 runs, Charith Asalanka, who shown incredible control, guaranteed his team’s spot in the Asia Cup 2023 championship game. Shaheen Afridi’s late surge in the last over came close to giving Pakistan the victory, but Asalanka kept his composure and led Sri Lanka to a last-ball triumph, ending Pakistan’s hopes.

Following Pakistan’s elimination from the competition, there has been harsh criticism of the team’s performances as well as Babar Azam in general, whose leadership was closely scrutinized the entire tournament. The over-reliance on an underwhelming Shadab Khan in some of the playing XI decisions drew criticism, and former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi made an interesting comment about the current team.

Following the restructuring of the Pakistan Cricket Board earlier this year, Afridi served for a brief while as head selector and worked with Babar Azam and the team management. He described the experience as chaotic.

I can assure you that there were numerous issues. The coach has a different option than the captain did. Both provide me with unique reports. Players provide me a variety of reports. The lack of communication left me perplexed as to how this board could possibly function. These men have no coordination and no communication, Afridi said on Samaa TV.

While Afridi insisted that he would keep his faith in Babar, the former skipper stressed that the retired cricketers currently in the PCB, along with team director Mickey Arthur, should talk with the captain about his decision-making and nurturing his leadership mindset.

“We’re off to the World Cup. He must speak with all of the seniors, including head coach Mickey. Make him resilient. Don’t be afraid to make difficult choices. Losses shouldn’t be a concern. You either succeed or you do not. I object since you’ve been in charge of the side for three years. Let’s go. Professionals are all around you. Talk to them to strengthen your leadership. Although you are a significant player, you also want to be remembered as the team’s captain, Afridi said.

Pakistan return to action in World Cup 2023 on October 6 against Netherlands. The Babar Azam-led side will play two warm-up matches before they begin the tournament in India.