Pakistan national cricket team’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi has opened up about the appointment of star wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as the new captain of the white-ball team.
Shahid Afridi also addressed the recent controversy surrounding veteran batsman Fakhar Zaman, who was dropped from the list of centrally contracted players as well as Pakistan’s squad for the tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.
I am delighted that PCB has entrusted him with this important responsibility – Shahid Afridi on Mohammad Rizwan
On Sunday, October 27, Mohammad Rizwan was officially introduced as Pakistan’s new white-ball captain, along with Salman Ali Agha as his deputy. He replaced Babar Azam in charge after the Pakistan superstar resigned from the captaincy.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Shahid Afridi used his official name X to praise the Pakistan Cricket Board for the appointment of Mohammad Rizwan as captain. He also expressed confidence in Mohammad Rizwan’s ability to live up to the expectations of Pakistan fans. Afridi wrote:
“If you are looking for a captain who embodies strategy, bravery, positivity, energy and passion, look no further than Rizwan. I am delighted that @TheRealPCB has entrusted him with this important responsibility. I have every confidence that he will drive this white-ball team forward and meets the high expectations of those who want to see Pakistan cricket prosper and succeed.”
As for Fakhar Zaman, let’s make sure we maximize the potential of this talented match-winner – Shahid Afridi
Fakhar Zaman was recently left out of the central contract list and was dropped from Pakistan’s white-ball team. In a press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi revealed that the reason behind his snub was his controversial tweet questioning Babar Azam’s omission as well as his failure in the fitness test.
Meanwhile, the legendary all-rounder also addressed the Fakhar Zaman situation, saying that the PCB should ensure that they maximize the potential of the “match-winning talent”.
Shahid Afridi stated that Fakhar Zaman has the ability to lead Pakistan to victories in matches, series and tournaments and he should be given a chance to return. He stated:
“Regarding Fakhar Zaman, let us ensure that we maximize the potential of this talented match-winner. It is crucial to interact with him and harness his skills at this privileged stage of his career. He has the power to lead us to victory in matches, series and tournaments “
If you are looking for a captain who embodies strategy, bravery, positivity, energy and passion, look no further than Rizwan. I’m excited that @thmyRmytoIPdob has entrusted you with this important responsibility. I have full confidence that he will boost this white ball team…
– Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) ohdotohbmyr 28, 2024
You can’t express how honored you are – Mohammad Rizwan
In a video shared by PCB, Mohammad Rizwan spoke about his appointment as white ball captain. Rizwan said that representing the nation on a global stage is a great honor for him and becoming captain is something extremely special. He elaborated:
“It is a dream for any player to play for Pakistan, it is a great honour. After that, to become the captain of the Pakistan team. It is difficult to describe. You cannot express how honored you feel. But I will. Give this honor in two ways. One way is that all my previous captains have been honored by me.
“The second is that all my previous captains have been honored by him. I consider them to be bosses of between 24 and 25 million rupees. It is a challenge for me. On the one hand, it is an honor, and on the other, it is an honor.” It’s a challenge. This is how the team accepts this. So, Inshallah, I will try to balance both.”