Shouldn’t expect Shehzad, Akmal to perform like Kohli, de Villiers: Afridi
Pakistani duo were axed for tour of England on disciplinary grounds
Afridi said it was wrong to expect that the duo would perform like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. PHOTO: AFP
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes that the country’s cricket think-tank made an error by overestimating players like Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, Press Trust of India reported on Monday.
Speaking to a local news channel, Afridi said it is wrong to expect the duo to perform like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. “It was wrong to expect them to be like Virat Kohli or AB de Villiers and perform like them,” he said.
Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, who are considered to be Pakistan’s best young batting talent, have been axed for the tour of England on disciplinary grounds and were omitted for the training and skills camps set up by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
England tour: Shehzad, Umar Akmal dropped over disciplinary issues
PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan on Sunday also said that it was the decision of the new selection committee to sideline the duo.
Afridi agreed with the views of the new selection committee and said there was no doubt that both players needed to work hard on their approach towards cricket.
“I agree there should be no compromise on discipline and I am sure they will get better with experience,” he said.
Pakistan rise to third in ICC Test rankings
The 36-year-old further said that he thinks can play for two more years before finally calling it quits.
“I have given myself another two years of cricket because I am still enjoying the sport,” he said.
“It does not matter whether I play in foreign or domestic leagues, or for the national side. However, I will always be available for my country,” he added.
Hafeez acting knee-dy
Afridi said he was impressed how the newly-appointed chief selector had called him up and spoken to him about his future plans.
“Inzamam showed good and positive attitude towards me,” he said.
“And I told him that if he wants to try out youngsters then he should do that, but whenever he feels he needs me, I am there to play for Pakistan.”
Afridi stepped down as Pakistan’s T20 captain in April after poor performances in Asia Cup and World T20, which also led to the resignation of team’s coach Waqar Younis.
Speaking about why he didn’t show support for Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif’s return to international cricket, Afridi said that the crime committed by the trio was the same, but the attitude of the three was very different.
“After the scandal, I spoke to Amir and he admitted his mistake and sought forgiveness from everyone. However, I don't know for what reason Butt remained in a state of denial and that really hurt me a lot as the scandal had damaged the image of Pakistan cricket,” he said.
Speaking to a local news channel, Afridi said it is wrong to expect the duo to perform like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. “It was wrong to expect them to be like Virat Kohli or AB de Villiers and perform like them,” he said.
Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, who are considered to be Pakistan’s best young batting talent, have been axed for the tour of England on disciplinary grounds and were omitted for the training and skills camps set up by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
England tour: Shehzad, Umar Akmal dropped over disciplinary issues
PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan on Sunday also said that it was the decision of the new selection committee to sideline the duo.
Afridi agreed with the views of the new selection committee and said there was no doubt that both players needed to work hard on their approach towards cricket.
“I agree there should be no compromise on discipline and I am sure they will get better with experience,” he said.
Pakistan rise to third in ICC Test rankings
The 36-year-old further said that he thinks can play for two more years before finally calling it quits.
“I have given myself another two years of cricket because I am still enjoying the sport,” he said.
“It does not matter whether I play in foreign or domestic leagues, or for the national side. However, I will always be available for my country,” he added.
Hafeez acting knee-dy
Afridi said he was impressed how the newly-appointed chief selector had called him up and spoken to him about his future plans.
“Inzamam showed good and positive attitude towards me,” he said.
“And I told him that if he wants to try out youngsters then he should do that, but whenever he feels he needs me, I am there to play for Pakistan.”
Afridi stepped down as Pakistan’s T20 captain in April after poor performances in Asia Cup and World T20, which also led to the resignation of team’s coach Waqar Younis.
Speaking about why he didn’t show support for Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif’s return to international cricket, Afridi said that the crime committed by the trio was the same, but the attitude of the three was very different.
“After the scandal, I spoke to Amir and he admitted his mistake and sought forgiveness from everyone. However, I don't know for what reason Butt remained in a state of denial and that really hurt me a lot as the scandal had damaged the image of Pakistan cricket,” he said.