Former Pakistan all-rounder Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi said on Saturday that it was unfair to remove fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as the Pakistan captain after merely a single series.

Expressing his thoughts in Karachi, Afridi made it clear that he was not in favour of appointing Shaheen Shah Afridi as the national team’s captain. He acknowledged the importance of Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, saying, “Rizwan was the best choice as the Pakistan captain after Babar Azam.”

He said, “There is plenty of talent in Pakistan. But it [talent] got wasted in no time as well.”

Afridi rallied behind Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, saying, “Saim Ayub can become the top performer for Pakistan in all three formats of the game.”

He also hailed all-rounder Aamer Jamal’s role in the team. “Aamer Jamal can perform the same way Abdul Razzaq had done for Pakistan for so many years.”

Speaking about the Champions Trophy stalemate, Afridi hailed Pakistan’s stance on the mega-event. “When it comes to the country, you have to make tough decisions. Right now, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making the right decisions in line with the Champions Trophy.”

He asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to play its role in resolving the Champions Trophy impasse.

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