In a recent development in Pakistan cricket, Babar Azam, the newly reinstated white-ball captain of the Pakistan national team, addressed lingering speculations regarding his relationship with fellow cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi. During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20 International against New Zealand held in Rawalpindi, Babar openly discussed the dynamics of their relationship and the recent changes in leadership roles.
Recent shifts in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) leadership saw Babar Azam reinstated as the captain for white-ball formats under PCB’s new chairman Mohsin Naqvi. This change resulted in Shaheen Shah Afridi being relieved of his T20I captaincy after a short tenure, which included only one bilateral series against New Zealand in January. During that series, Pakistan suffered a significant defeat, losing 4-1 to the Blackcaps.
However, Babar Azam took the opportunity to clarify his unchanged camaraderie and support with Shaheen. “I want to make clear that Shaheen and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way,” Babar stated. He emphasized how both players share a long-standing relationship, highlighting that mutual support exists regardless of their official roles within the team. “We support each other in every situation. Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan’s name up in lights. We don’t think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team,” Babar added.
The rumors of a rift between these two prominent players had stirred concerns among fans and observers of Pakistan cricket, given the timing of leadership changes and Pakistan’s recent performance under Shaheen’s brief captaincy. Yet, Babar’s comments at the press conference aimed to dissipate any perceived animosity and assert their collective focus on national pride and performance.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, while no longer T20I captain, continues to be a pivotal figure in the squad. After a challenging season nine in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where his team languished at the bottom of the table, Shaheen’s inclusion in the T20I squad against New Zealand suggests a rebound and a chance to restore his renowned bowling prowess. Alongside Mohammad Amir, Shaheen is expected to lead the bowling attack, demonstrating that his role, although shifted, remains crucial to Pakistan’s strategic setup in cricket.
Looking ahead to the T20I series against New Zealand, the Pakistan squad appears robust and diverse. The team, led by Babar Azam, includes players such as Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan. This selection reflects a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, ready to challenge the formidable New Zealand side on home soil.
As the series approaches, all eyes will be on how Babar and Shaheen collaborate on the field, transcending recent narratives of discord. Their long-standing relationship and current expressions of mutual support suggest a united front, squarely focused on elevating Pakistan’s status in international cricket.
In conclusion, as Pakistan cricket navigates through its internal dynamics and leadership transitions, the bond between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi remains a cornerstone of stability and collective ambition. As reiterated by Babar, their partnership is rooted deeply not just in personal camaraderie but in a shared vision for their national team’s success and the broader aspirations of their cricket-loving nation.