PAK vs AUS: Salman Butt Unwilling To See Shaheen Afridi Become Next Pakistan Captain
Published - 02 Mar 2022, 02:40 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 09:56 PM
Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has opined on the future of Shaheen Afridi after he led Lahore Qalandars to their maiden PSL title. They beat Multan Sultans in the final to lift the trophy. Shaheen became the youngest captain to win a major T20 title in the process.
Despite Shaheen’s recent success, Salman Butt does not want him to become the next Pakistan skipper. The team is being led by Babar Azam across formats and he did a good job at the T20 World Cup last year. He took Pakistan to the semis but lot out to Australia for a place in the finals. Talking about Shaheen on his Youtube channel, Salman Butt said though Afridi did well in the PSL there is no need for him to be considered as a Pakistan skipper just yet.
“Shaheen Afridi captained really well and showed great skills. But I think there is no need to go in seventh gear. Aaqib Javed has the right to speak in such a way and one should encourage players with such words. But if four-five people of the same age group get ready for captaincy then it’s not healthy for the team. It is good to have a leadership group but when a player starts thinking that he should be the captain then it is not healthy for the team.”
Salman Butt further highlighted the difference between PSL and international cricket and said that such a decision cannot be taken on the basis of success in the domestic tournament.
PSL Is Not Anywhere Close To The Pressure Of International Cricket: Salman Butt
“PSL is not anywhere near to the pressures and demands of international cricket. So let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves” with an air of conviction.
The Australian team are on a trip to Pakistan after 24 years and the hosts have a chance to avenge their semi-final defeat against the Aussies. The side has reached Pakistan and is down to the preparations ahead of the first Test. Butt said that the Australian pacers might have a tough time playing against the quality spin attack of Pakistan. The first Test between the teams starts in Rawalpindi on March 4.
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“It will be a test for Australian batting. The pitch will be slower compared to that in Australia and there will be grip on offer. They will need to show adjustments there” said Butt.
Australia Tour Of Pakistan 2022 Schedule
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi
March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: Only T20I, Rawalpindi
Also Read: Shane Watson ‘Super Excited’ For Australia’s Tour Of Pakistan
About the Author
Anshuman Roy is an author at Cricketaddictor. He has been working with the organization since Januar... Read more
