PAK vs NZ: Shaheen Afridi Takes A Jibe At Shoaib Akhtar For The Latter's "You Can't Speak" Remark

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi takes a cheeky jibe at former Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar over the latter’s “you can’t speak” remark about Babar Azam.

Shoaib had previously criticized Pakistan National Cricket Team captain Babar Azam for his perceived inability to speak well on camera. On a local channel, Rawalpindi Express suggested Azam work on his communication skills if he is to become a “brand” in world cricket.

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“Cricket is one job and handling media is another job. If you can’t speak, I am sorry but you won’t be able to express yourself on the TV. I want to openly say this that Babar Azam should be the biggest brand of Pakistan, but why he hasn’t become the biggest brand in Pakistan? Because he can’t speak,” he said.

Also read: PAK vs NZ: “Stop Publishing For Your Own Agenda” – Simon Doull Lashes Out At News Outlets Publishing Fake News On His Experience In Pakistan

Taking a dig at the former ace-pacer, when asked about Akhtar’s quality that he admires the most, Shaheen Afridi had a short answer –

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“He makes good brands.”

Also read: PAK vs NZ: “After Babar Azam, Pakistan Have Got Such A Player” – Fakhar Zaman Lauds Saim Ayub

The obsession with creating brands out of players is rampant in several former Pakistani players. While the goal is understandable, it can never have priority over actual cricketing ability. former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Rameez Raja too allegedly told Azam that not building a brand around the star batter should be considered a failure.

Haris Rauf credited Shaheen Afridi for his match-winning spell against New Zealand

New Zealand is currently touring Pakistan to play two limited-overs series. The hosts are currently 2-0 up in the 5 T20I series. Pak won the first match by 88 runs as Haris Rauf was named the Player of the Match for his 4.18 spell. He has since credited his PSL captain Shaheen Afridi for his wonderful spell.

Afridi is the captain of the Lahore Qalandars franchise in PSL. They recently won the 2023 season of the tournament.

In the match against New Zealand, Shaheen Afridi only bowled two overs and took a wicket, but he and his Lahore teammate Zaman Khan gave away only 18 runs in their combined 4 overs. This created pressure on NZ, who were then blown away by Haris Rauf.

In the post-match presentation, Rauf discussed how Shaheen and Zaman should be credited for their performances.

“Shaheen Afridi and Zaman bowled exceptionally during the powerplay, allowing me to bowl without pressure in the middle overs,” he said.

Also read: Asia Cup 2023: PCB Chairman Najam Sethi Says Pakistan Will Adopt A Strong Stance On Asia Cup and World Cup

Pakistan will be looking to dominate New Zealand in home conditions ahead of the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup later this year.

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