Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram believes it is a “blessing in disguise” that he does not work for the Pakistan cricket team, as the job only brings criticism.
He made the statement while speaking to Indian sports website, Sportskeeda, where he talked about the removal of Shaheen Afridi as captain before the T20 World Cup 2024. He also explained the constant changes occurring at the helm of PCB.
“Three chairmen changed in one year. Ramiz Raja was removed, and Najam Sethi came for three months. Sethi left, and Zaka Ashraf came. After four or five months, Mohsin Naqvi came. How would the team stay consistent?” he questioned.
“Babar Azam was removed from captaincy, Shaheen was appointed. He lost one series and the chairman also got changed in the same period, therefore, they changed the skipper. This is just not on, people make fun of us in world cricket.
“At least give Shaheen a year to lead and then he could be changed but I don't know. They don't take suggestions from us and it's great I am away from Pakistan cricket. It's a 'blessing in disguise' because it is just criticism, politics,” he added.
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Wasim also wants Shaheen to focus on improving his bowling in order to become captain again.
“Shaheen Afridi is an aggressive cricketer, and he is only 24 and has a bright future ahead. The captaincy can be again handed to him, and he only needs to focus on his game,” he added.
Previously, Shahid Afridi, a legend of Pakistani cricket and former captain himself, sparked fresh debate about Babar Azam's leadership. Following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup exit, Afridi suggested that Azam consider relinquishing the captaincy.
Afridi believes a more proactive leader might be needed for the T20 format. He emphasized that Azam has had a long run as captain, having led the team in multiple World Cups.
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"Babar has been fortunate to captain in so many World Cups," Afridi said in a conversation with Samaa TV. "Perhaps it's time for him to focus solely on his batting, which is his true strength. The team might benefit from a captain with a more aggressive approach in T20 cricket."
It must be noted that the Pakistan cricket team did not qualify for the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024, which led to its elimination from the tournament. Pakistan was defeated by debutants USA by five runs in a Super Over match, and by India by six runs. On June 11, they were able to prevail over Canada by a margin of seven wickets.
With the match between the United States and Ireland abandoned due to rain on June 14, the co-hosts secured one point, consequently ending Pakistan's hopes of proceeding in the tournament.
The final league match played by the national team against Ireland was merely a formality, following which the team returned to their homeland.
