Team Mentor of Lahore Qalandars Shoaib Akhtar and Head Coach Aaqib Javed are of the opinion that former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum — who captained the franchsie during the second and third edition — was not an ideal choice to lead the side.

While speaking during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft in Islamabad, Akhtar questioned McCullum’s bowling changes and general in-game tactics.

“I think, he [Brendon McCullum] didn’t know the local talent well and at the same time I didn’t like his bowling changes,” said Akhtar. “When Shoaib Malik comes out to bat, it is very obvious that you don’t have to ask spinners to bowl at that time. Also it was odd to see a fast-bowler coming to bowl from around the wicket and bowling three bouncers.”

He added: “Sunil Narine is not an opener or a stock bowler, he is a wicket-taking bowler. His overs should have been utilised at the start of the innings and at the end like he used to bowl at Kolkata Knight Riders during the Indian Premier League.”

Akhtar also cited similarity in player approach as a reason behind team’s mediocre performance during the previous editions of PSL.

“I think we didn’t have the combination right,” he said. “We got the players who were a bit similar. Our top six cricketers played with a similar mindset.”

On the other hand, Javed also echoed similar thoughts with regards to captaincy of McCullum while also stressing on the importance of a local captain.

“When he came in the second season, he demanded two-year contract and we had his services for second and third editions,” he said. “There was also hype that he is a great leader and captain. But our journey from Azhar Ali to McCullum was a 360 degree change. McCullum is too aggressive and we also noted that a local captain is far more beneficial for the side than a foreigner.”

Speaking about the team’s captain for next edition Mohammad Hafeez, Javed said the all-rounder’s past captaincy experience and bowling credentials will add a lot of value to the side.

“We brought Mohammad Hafeez as a captain because he has a lot of captaincy experience,” he said. “Also his bowling action is clear. The main reason that led him out of Pakistan side was his bowling. He adds value to the team when he is bowling with both old and new ball. The form he is in right now, I think it is a huge plus point for us.”