Shaheen Afridi Vs Babar Azam: Who Has Better Captaincy Record In PSL?


Shaheen Afridi & Babar Azam are two stalwarts of PSL (X)Shaheen Afridi & Babar Azam are two stalwarts of PSL (X)

When it comes to Pakistan Super League (PSL) captaincy, two names stand tall: Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam. While both are pillars of Pakistan cricket, their captaincy records in the PSL tell two vastly different stories.

Let’s take a deep dive into their leadership, their impact, and ultimately answer the burning question: Who has the better captaincy record in the PSL?

The Rise of Shaheen Afridi: A Captain Like No Other

Shaheen Afridi has proven to be more than just a lethal bowler; he’s also a trailblazing captain. Having taken over the reins of Lahore Qalandars in 2022, Shaheen led his side to their first-ever PSL title, ending years of disappointment for the franchise.

But that was just the beginning. Shaheen didn’t stop there – he captained Lahore Qalandars to a second consecutive title in 2023, becoming the first captain in PSL history to win back-to-back trophies.

Here’s where Shaheen stands out: in 34 matches as captain from 2022 to 2024, he’s secured 18 victories, giving him a win percentage of 52.94%. His team has consistently performed, with a fighting spirit that embodies his own aggressive style of play.

Shaheen has taken Lahore Qalandars to the top, with a remarkable consistency that has turned them into one of the most formidable sides in PSL history.

Babar Azam: The Elegant Batsman, Yet Struggling Captain

On the other hand, Babar Azam is widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen in the world. His batting brilliance in the PSL is undeniable, but his captaincy record, particularly in comparison to Shaheen, paints a less flattering picture.

Starting with Karachi Kings and moving to Peshawar Zalmi, Babar has captained his teams in 33 matches from 2020 to 2024. However, unlike his batting performances, his captaincy numbers don’t tell a tale of dominance.

With just 12 wins and 21 losses, Babar’s win percentage as a captain stands at 36.36%. This stark contrast with Shaheen’s success reveals the challenges Babar has faced in transforming his individual brilliance into team victories.

It’s said that leadership is an art, and while Babar may paint masterpieces with the bat, he seems to have struggled with the brush of captaincy. Despite having led star-studded lineups, Babar has yet to inspire his teams to a PSL title as a captain. His one PSL title came as a key player, not as captain, when Karachi Kings won in 2020 under Imad Wasim.

Tale of Two Captains: A Statistical Showdown

When comparing the two captains, the numbers speak for themselves:

Captain
Seasons
Matches
Wins
Losses
Tied/No Result
Win %
Loss %
Shaheen Afridi2022-2024341815152.9444.11
Babar Azam2020-2024331221036.3663.63

Shaheen’s superior win percentage (52.94%) is proof of his ability to lead from the front. He has shown a knack for handling pressure, making tactical decisions that have turned the tide in his team’s favour on numerous occasions.

Babar, on the other hand, despite his brilliance as a batsman, hasn’t been able to turn things around for his teams, with a win percentage of just 36.36%.

Shaheen’s X-Factor: Leading with a Bowler’s Mentality

One of the key differences between the two captains lies in their approach. Shaheen, being a bowler, has brought a different dynamic to captaincy. His ability to read the game from a bowler’s perspective has often helped him make crucial bowling changes and field placements that have choked the opposition at critical junctures.

He also leads by example. Who can forget his numerous fiery spells in the death overs, when he’s turned the game on its head with sheer pace and accuracy? His ability to inspire his players to rise to the occasion when it matters most is something every captain aspires to achieve. Like a well-oiled machine, Shaheen has engineered a winning mentality in his team.

Babar’s Struggles: Can He Turn It Around?

Babar Azam’s struggles as a captain are more puzzling. With his exceptional batting skills, many expected him to translate that brilliance into leadership. However, captaincy is more than just scoring runs; it’s about creating a winning culture, making bold decisions, and uniting the team under a single vision. In Babar’s case, it seems like the pieces haven’t quite fallen into place.

His tactical decisions have often been questioned, and the inability to close out games has haunted him throughout his PSL captaincy career. Unlike Shaheen, who seems to thrive under pressure, Babar’s leadership has often faltered when the going gets tough.

Verdict: Shaheen Afridi – The Undisputed Winner

In conclusion, when comparing Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam’s captaincy in the PSL, the scales tip heavily in favour of Shaheen. His back-to-back titles, higher win percentage, and ability to lead from the front have made him the standout captain. While Babar remains a batting maestro, his captaincy, for now, lags behind.