Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf has dismissed rumors of a rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi following a controversial change in captaincy. Addressing recent speculations, Ashraf clarified that Babar agreed to relinquish his role as captain after the PCB expressed concerns about his leadership performance. Ashraf also defended his decisions to appoint Afridi as the T20I captain and Shan Masood as the Test captain, despite Pakistan’s disappointing results under their leadership.
Babar Azam’s Performance as Captain and PCB’s Decision
Zaka Ashraf, the former PCB chairman, addressed the speculations surrounding Babar Azam’s captaincy and his subsequent decision to step down. According to Ashraf, the decision to relieve Babar of his captaincy duties was based on his performance, which the PCB deemed insufficient for the role. Despite his prowess as a player, the PCB felt that Babar’s leadership was not yielding the desired results, particularly following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Ashraf emphasised that Babar was amicable about the decision and agreed to focus on his playing abilities rather than leadership responsibilities.
This decision came amidst reports suggesting a possible rift between Babar and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was appointed as the T20I captain during Ashraf’s tenure. However, Ashraf refuted these claims, insisting that there was no discord between the two players. He even suggested that the team’s unity improved after the leadership change, contrary to the media reports. Ashraf’s statements aimed to clarify that the decision was in the best interest of the team, and Babar’s acceptance reflected his commitment to Pakistan cricket.
Ashraf’s Support for Afridi and Masood as Captains
Despite the challenges that followed his decisions, Zaka Ashraf stood by his choice to appoint Shaheen Shah Afridi as the T20I captain and Shan Masood as the Test captain. Ashraf believed that Afridi, who had shown great potential as a player, was a suitable choice to lead Pakistan in the T20 format. However, Afridi’s tenure as captain was short-lived, with the PCB later reinstating Babar Azam as T20I captain after just one series. Nevertheless, Ashraf maintained that Afridi’s appointment was a sound decision that aligned with the PCB’s vision at the time.
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Shan Masood’s appointment as Test captain also faced significant scrutiny, especially after Pakistan’s disappointing performances under his leadership. The team suffered heavy defeats, including a 3-0 loss in Australia and a historic 2-0 series defeat at home to Bangladesh. Despite these setbacks, Ashraf continued to support Masood, praising his leadership qualities and highlighting his success as a captain in England’s county cricket. Ashraf’s defence of his captaincy choices underscored his belief in their abilities, even if the outcomes were less than favourable.
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