Shahid Afridi Urges Babar Azam to Give Up T20I Captaincy of Pakistan
Babar Azam is leading Pakistan in all 3 formats of the game.
The former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi urged Babar Azam to give up on T20I captaincy of the Men in Green and focus on the other two formats of the game.
In fact, Afridi has even suggested Babar Azam not to take up the captaincy at Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League.
Notably, Babar Azam recently ended his six years tenure with Karachi Kings and signed up with Peshawar Zalmi ahead of the upcoming season of the PSL.
“Babar was not happy with the management at Karachi Kings as it is. I feel he should take a tough call and quit captaincy in T20 cricket. He should focus on his batting and lead the team in Tests and one-dayers,” Afridi said in an interview with Sama TV.
Pakistan recently lost the T20 World Cup 2022 final to England by 5 wickets at Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Pakistan skipper has been at the centre of stern criticism for his defensive approach throughout the tournament.
Shadab Khan or Rizwan can Lead Pakistan in T20Is: Shahid Afridi
The Pakistan opener could manage only 124 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of just 93, which has also raised some eyebrows regarding his place at the top of the batting order for Pakistan.
The former Pakistan all-rounder further said the likes of Shadab Khan, who is already the vice-captain of the team, or the likes of Mohammad Rizwan or Shan Masood can take over the captaincy charge from Babar in the shortest format.
“I respect Babar a lot and that’s why I don’t want him to take the pressure of captaincy in T20 cricket. I want him to focus on his captaincy in longer formats. You do have players like Shadab, Rizwan and even Shan Masood who can lead the team in the T20 format,” Afridi added.