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Not Shaheen But Babar Azam! Shahid Afridi Defends Current PAK Captain Amidst Sacking Rumours

Shahid Afridi Defends Babar Despite Shameful T20 WC 2024 Performance [x.com]Shahid Afridi Defends Babar Despite Shameful T20 WC 2024 Performance [x.com]

Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has expressed strong opposition to the idea of dropping key players, including Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, from the current Pakistan squad.

Following Pakistan's elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024, rumors have surfaced about a potential overhaul of the team. Despite failing to advance to the Super 8 phase, Afridi believes that drastic changes are not the solution.


Shahid Afridi Backs Babar Azam Despite Selection Rumors

In a video on his YouTube channel, Shahid Afridi addressed these rumors, emphasizing the importance of retaining experienced players.

 "I saw on social media that they want to drop 8-9 players. I don't know what's the reality but this can't happen. You can drop 8-9 players when you have the next lot ready to take over. If you want to drop Babar, not as a player, do you have anyone to replace him? Do you have any performer like Babar? Do we have a replacement for Rizwan on our bench?" Afridi asked.

Afridi's comments highlight the lack of immediate replacements for star players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He stressed that making such significant changes without a ready batch of talented players is not practical.

"It's like blaming the players after the world and starting from scratch and months before the next World Cup, you are still experimenting with the squad. This is not right," Afridi added, cautioning against hasty decisions that could disrupt team stability.

He also urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to prioritize selecting players who consistently perform well in domestic cricket. 

"If we continue to select players based on 2-3 innings and ignore stars of domestic cricket, it's harsh on those who perform in the domestic circuit for years," he stated.

Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup was sealed after the USA's game against Ireland was washed out due to rain in Florida. Babar Azam's team will play their final group-stage game against Ireland on Sunday at the same venue.