"Captain Had One Choice, The Coach Has Another" - Shahid Afridi Recalls His Tenure As Chief Selector Of Pakistan Team
Published - 16 Sep 2023, 12:30 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi expressed concerns about the lack of coordination and communication within the current Pakistan cricket team. Shahid Afridi revealed that he faced significant challenges during his short tenure as chief selector of the national team.
The Babar Azam-led team was eliminated from the Asia Cup 2023 after suffering a defeat against Sri Lanka in a rain-curtailed encounter. Sri Lanka, the defending champions, pulled off the victory on the last ball to advance to the final match of the continental tournament.
There Were So Many Problems – Shahid Afridi
Speaking to Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi revealed that the captain and coach had differing opinions, highlighting the disarray within the team management.
“I came in as chief selector for one month. Believe me, there were so many problems. Captain had one choice, the coach has another. Both give me different reports,” Afridi told Samaa TV.
“Players give me different reports altogether. Communication is so broke, I was baffled at how is this board even running? There is no coordination, no communication between these guys.”
Afridi was appointed as the interim chief selector of the Pakistan team in December last year. However, his tenure lasted only one month, concluding at the end of the New Zealand series, when Pakistan drew the Test series 0–0 and lost the ODI series 2–1.
Either You Win, Or You Learn – Shahid Afridi
The former Pakistan all-rounder suggested that team director Mickey Arthur and retired cricketers should assist Captain Babar Azam in improving his captaincy skills ahead of the World Cup.
“We are going to World Cup. All the seniors, including head coach, Mickey, have to talk to him. Make him strong. Don’t fear from making tough decisions. Don’t worry about losses. Either you win, or you learn,” Afridi further stated.
“My issue is, you’ve been leading the side for 3 years. Come on. There are professionals around you. Talk to them and improve your captaincy. You’re a big player, but you would want people to also remember you as captain,” he concluded.
The Babar Azam-led team will be next seen in action during the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is set to be played in India between October 5 and November 19. The Men in Green will participate in two warm-up games as part of their preparation for the tournament.
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