(AFP Photo)
Pakistan’s cricket community eagerly anticipates the overhaul promised for the senior men’s team by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. Led by Babar Azam, the team’s disappointing performance in the recent T20 World Cup, failing to advance past the Super 8s after losses to USA and arch-rivals India, sparked widespread criticism and prompted decisive action from the PCB.
Former captain Shahid Afridi expressed curiosity about the upcoming changes, hoping for a beneficial outcome. Speaking to Pakistani media, Afridi emphasized the need for enhancing grassroots cricket across the nation.
“As the chairman has said about the surgery to be performed on the team, we all are waiting for that. And I think it should be a serious one, they should go deeper and see what the problem is. I am also waiting to see what these changes will be. A positive decision needs to be made, and the changes shouldn’t just be superficial. The real issue lies at the grassroots level of our cricket. Our product is weak at the grassroots level, and if we invest there, good players will emerge,” Afridi said.
Afridi extended his congratulations to the Indian cricket team for clinching the T20 World Cup title, lauding the consistent body language displayed by India’s captain Rohit Sharma throughout the tournament.
“Look, the role of a leader is always very important. The body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. The leader has to set an example. Take Rohit Sharma as an example.
“Look at his game and his style of playing; the lower-order batsmen who come in are all confident because the captain likes to play aggressive and attacking cricket. So, I always believe that the role of the captain is very important,” added Afridi.
The former all-rounder also outlined his recommendations on how the board should operate to foster the growth and achievement of Pakistan cricket.
“There should be a proper board functioning. The Prime Minister should never be the Chief Executive. Also, the chairman should develop healthy relations with other boards and look to organise overseas tours. He should strictly shouldn’t interfere in the matters of the selection committee. The committee of selectors should be strong enough to stick to its decision and even choose a captain,” Afridi said.
“I’m always available for Pakistan cricket but at the grassroots level,” Afridi said on being asked about his aspirations to contribute as a coach
