KARACHI: Former Pakistani cricket star Shahid Afridi has asked his son-in-law Shaheen Shah Afridi to concentrate on his cricket career. He made the remarks after expressed his displeasure over appointment of new captain of Pakistan Cricket Team.
“I urge Shaheen to focus solely on his cricket,” Afridi stated in a statement. Afridi further disclosed his efforts to steer Shaheen away from captaincy roles, citing the unfavorable outcomes experienced by many former captains, including himself.
These comments from the veteran cricketer coincide with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain for T20Is and ODIs, ahead of the team’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to start on April 18.
The PCB explained that it was a strategic move aimed at ensuring player welfare and optimal performance, reflecting the board’s commitment to safeguarding players’ longevity, particularly that of fast bowlers.
It’s noteworthy that Shaheen was appointed as the team’s T20 captain following Babar’s resignation from the role in November last year, following subpar performances in the 2023 Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.
Afridi also reiterated his support for Mohammad Rizwan, emphasizing his previous recommendation to the PCB chairman to appoint the wicket-keeper batter as the team’s white-ball captain.
