In a recent interview with an international sports media outlet, Pakistan’s legendary pacer Wasim Akram shared his candid views on the ongoing captaincy saga within the national men’s cricket team. Akram did not hold back in criticizing the frequent and abrupt changes in the team’s leadership, emphasizing that such instability is detrimental to consistent performance.
Akram began by highlighting the sudden removal of Babar Azam as captain and the subsequent appointment of Shaheen Shah Afridi. He pointed out that Afridi was dismissed after losing just one series, a decision influenced by a change in the cricket board’s chairmanship. “Babar [Azam] was removed and Shaheen was brought in. He then lost one series and at that time, a new chairman came, who ordered to change the captain and the captain was changed,” Akram stated. He expressed frustration over this erratic approach, stating, “This is not on. People make fun of us in world cricket. They don’t get it. If you made [Shaheen] Afridi captain, then should have given him at least a year.”
Reflecting on his own relationship with Pakistan cricket, Akram described his distance from the setup as a “blessing in disguise.” He noted that his involvement would likely result in enduring constant criticism and political maneuvering. “They don’t ask us [anything] but it’s good that we’re away from Pakistan cricket. It’s a blessing in disguise because it’s just criticism and politics,” he remarked.
Akram also took the opportunity to praise Shaheen Afridi’s cricketing abilities. He described Afridi as a wicket-taking bowler who consistently attacks with the new ball in T20 cricket. “He’s a wicket-taking bowler. He goes for wickets. He attacks with the new ball in the T20 format. Everyone knows that he’ll pitch it up but he still gets them out and that’s what I love about him,” Akram stated. He highlighted Afridi’s aggressive approach and potential, noting that despite his young age—23 or 24 years old—he has a bright future ahead.
Akram concluded by predicting that Afridi will likely regain the captaincy of the national team in the future. He advised Afridi to focus on his game until the opportunity arises again. “He’ll get the captaincy again but should focus on his game until he doesn’t get it,” Akram added, underscoring his belief in Afridi’s potential to lead the team once more.
