Ian Chappell praises Afridi's 'not fit to be captain' confession

Former Australia captain says Afridi is 'one of those sorts of erratic geniuses'

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell praised Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi’s personal evaluation of not being fit as captain, terming it “very honest”.

Pakistan crashed out of the World T20 after losing to India, New Zealand and Australia after started their campaign with a victory over Bangladesh. Afridi, after a 21-run rout against Australia, said “he was fit as a player but not as a captain”.



“I don’t think giving him the captaincy was doing him any favours because he is one of those sorts of erratic geniuses; you never know what you’re going to get next,” said Chappell, adding, “I’m not sure if that’s the right temperament for captaincy.”

Afridi announced his retirement after the World T20 but said he would reconsider his decision when he travels back home.

“I will announce it [my retirement] in my country,” he said. “Whatever is better for the country, I will go with that. I will see my form. There is pressure, media pressure. As a player, I am fit. As a captain, I am not fit,” he added.

Chappell added that wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed is the most suitable replacement for Afridi if he decided to hang his boots.



“Sarfraz Ahmed is a very aggressive player. I like the way he bats. I was a bit surprised that he came in so late in Pakistan’s innings [against Australia],” said Chappell. “It doesn’t always apply that an aggressive cricketer is an aggressive captain but it’s nice to have somebody who thinks aggressively so he would be one option.”