Shahid Afridi proposes idea of two Pakistan teams for men’s side
Pakistan’s recently appointed interim chief selector Shahid Afridi has stated his intention to form two men’s national teams in order to increase the depth of the squad.
According to comments Afridi made to the media in Karachi, the former captain and flashy all-rounder of his period wants to put this plan into action before he leaves office.
At the press conference, Afridi also brought up the problem of a “communication vacuum,” saying that the top selector needs to get in touch with the players directly to understand their roles.
According to Afridi, he gained a clear understanding of Fakhar Zaman and Haris Sohail after speaking with them individually.
Pakistan will likely play New Zealand in a three-game ODI series, and the two players were added to the roster.
“The main issue I’ve seen is a lack of communication between upper management, medical staff, and the hiring panel. Whether I am the top selector or someone else is, I believe it is crucial that we have open lines of communication with the players,” he said.
He explained, “After talking to Haris and Fakhar, I had a clearer view of the situation and invited them to a fitness test.”
The previous captain, Afridi, disagrees, saying that Afridi is not running a one-man show and that he believes in authority sharing.
The ex-captain has found domestic cricketers like Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftekhar Anjum to be useful, as well as veterans like Haroon Rashid.
Moreover, the interim head selector spoke with the curators of National Stadium to go through potential wickets for the second Test, which will begin on January 2.
According to Afridi, the second test will be played on a more favourable pitch.
According to Afridi, “there will be some bounce on wicket,” meaning both bowlers and hitters might benefit from their time there.
We’ll never make it to the top if we continue to play on these wickets. We have been playing on surfaces that are harmful to our bowlers; pacers will experience fitness concerns and spinners may sustain finger injuries.
Who says Pakistan can’t make good wickets? The former captain confidently asserted, “We surely can if we are allowed to do so.”
Afridi responded to a question about his plans as chief selector by promising to treat all performers fairly. He said that Mohammad Huraira would have been on the list of possibles if the roster had been more than 25 people. He spoke highly of the boy, claiming that his future is bright.
For our homegrown and under-19 talent, it is crucial that we keep our academies operational, which has not happened for the past eight months. The head selector said, “I would endeavour to build a camp there for all such youths.”
He remarked that Babar Azam is a key member of the Pakistan squad and that the selection panel is there to help him improve.