Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has given his verdict on the appointment of wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as the new skipper of white-ball teams. He also reacted to the central contract snub of explosive batter Fakhar Zaman.
Rizwan replaced Babar Azam, and his first assignment will be the tour of Australia. The Men in Green will play fifty-over games and T20Is. Afridi took to X to laud the move to go ahead with Rizwan in shorter formats.
“If you’re searching for a captain who embodies strategy, fearlessness, positivity, energy and passion, look no further than Rizwan. I’m thrilled that @TheRealPCB has entrusted him with this important responsibility. I have full confidence that he will propel this white-ball team forward and meet the high expectations of those who want to see Pakistan cricket thrive and succeed,” he wrote on X.
Fakhar Zaman paid the price for his statement on Babar Azam’s omission from the Test squad. Babar was dropped for two Tests against England, and Fakhar took a dig at the PCB, comparing the star batter with Virat Kohli.
PCB chairman Moshin Naqvi admitted that Fakhar’s tweet was not taken lightly, but the real reason for the contract snub and his removal from the national team was the failed fitness test.
Shahid Afridi called Fakhar a match-winner and urged the PCB to give him a chance to return.
“Regarding Fakhar Zaman, let’s ensure we maximise the potential of this talented match-winner. It’s crucial to engage with him and leverage his abilities at this prime stage of his career. He has the power to lead us to victory in matches, series and tournaments.”
Rizwan has expressed his happiness after getting a chance to lead Pakistan in international cricket.
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