PSL 2022: Shaheen Afridi Reminds Me Of Imran Khan: Aaqib Javed

Shaheen Afridi has been in the news since leading Lahore Qalandars to their maiden PSL title. They beat Multan Sultans in the final to lift the trophy and head coach Aaqib Javed’s hard work with the squad has finally paid off. Javed has toiled hard behind changing the fortunes of the franchise and in Shaheen has seen a worthy leader.

Javed spoke about Shaheen Afridi’s leadership qualities that he observed in him in the recently concluded PSL season. Javed along with Shahid Afridi worked together in making Shaheen the leader of the side and it worked wonders. However, there are a few former Pakistan cricketers like Salman Butt who opposes the idea of Shaheen being national captain in the future.

“Shaheen has natural leadership talent and this is something we figured out two years ago. This is why we promoted him as vice-captain. I personally don’t think that age has any factor when it comes to leadership. “I am waiting for that time and the time will come soon,” he said to Cricket Pakistan.

Javed further said that the youngster reminded him of former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan and both of them had a few similar traits.

Shaheen Afridi Has Natural Leadership Talent: Aaqib Javed

“For a captain, it is important to be committed and honest; these two things are present in Shaheen in abundance. When we went to meet Imran Khan, I told him that Shaheen reminded me of his traits and I said that he will make us all proud,” added Aaqib.

Aaqib Javed concluded by keeping his opinion on the workload of the current cricketers. He said that the modern players are playing constant cricket which is why they are always match fit and do not require any practice games before bigger tournaments.

“The players now are much different; be it mentally or physically. Shaheen is only 21 right now but the PCB has to manage these players once they grow a little older. For players like Shaheen and Haris, they capitalise on the rhythm and often face trouble once they take a break,” explained Javed.

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