Wasim Akram: Shaheen Shah Afridi to get Pakistan captaincy again

Speaking to an international Sports media network, former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram was asked about his views on the ongoing situation and future of the Pakistan Cricket Team. 

In response, the all time great left arm pacer gave out a blunt clear cut reply that kind of shattered the management of PCB if they were watching the show. He said, “Babar Azam was removed from the role of leading and Shaheen Shah Afridi was named captain. But after only losing a series he was removed and at that time, a new chairman came and changed the captain.” said Akram. 

“This is not on. People make fun of us at the international level. They don’t get it. If you named Afridi the captain, then he should at least be given a year to prove himself.”, the former pacer added. He even said that his distance from the PCB is a blessing in disguise, considering the criticism involved and the whimsicalness of the board.

“They don’t ask us anything but it’s good that we are away from Pakistan cricket. It’s a blessing in disguise as it is only criticism and politics”. 

PCB changed three chairman in one year and this took place just before the ICC T20 World Cup. Ramiz Raja was removed, Nazam Sethi came in for three months. Sethi left and Zaka Ashraf came. After four or five months, Mohsin Nakhvi came as chairman. How can you expect the team to stay consistent?” Akram said, losing his cool.

Revered as the Sultan of Swing all over the cricket fraternity, Wasim Akram has been a primary figure of Pakistan’s bowling during the 1990s and early 2000s. 

The left hand pacer went on to support Shaheen Afridi as his pick for captainship and gave quite a good reasoning to it. “He is a wicket taking bowler. He goes for wickets. He attacks the batsman with the new ball in the T20 format. Everyone knows he will pitch it up but still he holds on to his plans and gets wickets for the team. And that’s what I love about him.”, he stated.

“He is an aggressive cricketer and he’s only 23 or 24 years old, maybe younger. Got a bright future ahead. He will become Pakistan captain again but should focus on his bowling till he gets it.” Akram assertively commented on Shaheen.