Shahid Afridi believes that in ICC events this season, Pakistan’s trophy drought needs to be broken by Babar Azam and company. In 2022, the defending world champions faced up against eventual winnings of England in the T20 World Cup final. Superstar batsman Babar led the Green Army to the final match of the Australia-hosted T20 World Cup. But when Pakistan was eliminated from the 50-over match in India, Babar was unable to repeat his heroics in the 2023 World Cup.
Leading batsman Babar resigned from his position as head of the Green Army following Pakistan’s lackluster performance in the India World Cup. Babar was named Pakistan’s white-ball captain again two months before the T20 World Cup. In his first assignment as captain, Babar led the Green Army in their victory over New Zealand upon his return. With the bilateral series, the defending champions Pakistan are getting warmed up for the T20 World Cup in England. The Green Army’s bowling section received high marks from former Pakistan captain Afridi in a video released by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
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“I think in any cricket team in the world, nobody has such a strong bowling line-up. All our four fast bowlers have a lot of skill and even the bowlers sitting on the bench like Abbas have a lot of skill with a good slower ball. If the players with such good skills enter this World Cup against world-class batters they will perform well. All the names will also have a huge responsibility over them,” Afridi said.
Afridi saved the best for last: all-rounder Shadab Khan. In Edgbaston for the second T20I against England, spinner Shadab was wicketless. In the shortest format, the Pakistani spinner registered his lowest-ever bowling stats. In his four overs against England, he gave up 55 runs. Having witnessed every one of Shadab’s games while wearing the green jersey, Afridi declared that he wants the Pakistan all-rounder to play well with the ball.
“I need Shadab to deliver with the ball. Whenever he has performed with the ball, Pakistan have won. I have watched all of his matches in the past. We had a detailed chat yesterday, I asked him who is guiding him or if there is something he is not doing, how are you making such mistakes is there no one to tell you? I called yesterday because I know he is going through a difficult time so I always try to help and motivate players who are having a hard time. Similarly, I talked with Shadab about what he is doing wrong and I hope that if he does (what he discussed) in training sessions, you will see the difference.” He added.
Author: Rohit Singh
Rohit Singh is passionate individual currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and Mass communication , driven by a desire to do something in the media industry . Driven by a desire to revolutionize media, I aspire to lead by example and instigate a shift towards more responsible and impactful journalism. I love to learn new things and try to adapt them
