The first Test between Pakistan and Australia will take place at Perth Stadium on 14 December.
14 November, 2023
PHOTO: FILE
Former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi has expressed his concerns regarding Babar Azam's captaincy while also expressing support for him to continue leading the team, particularly in the upcoming Test series against Australia.
During a recent media interaction at a local event, Afridi acknowledges that people have criticized him for his remarks on Babar's captaincy and emphasizes that he is a big fan of him.
However, the former all-rounder expresses disappointment, stating that despite the support, the 28-year-old has not proven himself as a captain and leader.
"I am a big fan of Babar and so are many others. People criticized me for criticizing Babar's captaincy (aap Babar ki kaptani ke piche pade hain). Babar has always been like a younger brother to me."I wanted Babar to be on the list of top captains. He has been captaining for 3-4 years. During this period, there was never a sword hanging over his captaincy. We all supported him. We thought in 3-4 years his grooming would make him better. He would be able to prove himself as a captain and a leader but that hasn't happened. We have seen a lot of mistakes," Shahid Afridi said.
The 46-year-old emphasized that successful leadership should not rely solely on a couple of individuals, but rather involve a collaboration of performers working together harmoniously to advance as a unified team.
"Leader has to be strong. He has to take everyone along with him. A leader does not have one or two players. He has 7-8 performers, who take them together forward," he said.
Nevertheless, Afridi believes that there should not be any changes in the captaincy, especially in Test cricket as the Australia tour is just around the corner.
"The Australia series is a significant one, and I understand this is a huge responsibility. Regarding captaincy, I don't think there should be any changes, especially in Test cricket. Babar Azam should continue to lead," he concluded.
It is worth noting that the first Test between Pakistan and Australia will take place at Perth Stadium on 14 December.
