Shahid Afridi may be out of form but still has plenty of support.
Despite a woeful performance at the recently-concluded World Twenty20 that triggered calls for his exit, former captain Moin Khan believes the all-rounder still has firepower left to serve the country.
Afridi failed miserably with the bat, while also leaving fans disappointed with an ordinary show with the ball. The star all-rounder’s below-par show in the tournament has been dubbed as one of the main reasons for Pakistan’s failure to win the title.
However, Moin opposed the notion that Afridi was a spent force.
“Afridi can still serve the country,” the former captain told reporters while responding to queries on Afridi’s future. “He shouldn’t retire but should take some rest that will help him regain his form.
“I also advise the same to Imran Nazir who also struggled in the tournament.”
‘PCB should be lenient with Razzaq’
Meanwhile, the former wicket-keeper, while speaking on the issue regarding Abdul Razzaq who faces disciplinary action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said the reaction from the all-rounder was natural.
Razzaq blasted captain Mohammad Hafeez for snubbing him for the semi-final against Sri Lanka after which the all-rounder was slapped with a showcause notice by the PCB.
“Razzaq’s comments were not appropriate,” said Moin. “But he should have played in the World Twenty20. Razzaq’s reaction was natural as he knows he does have some time left in his career.”
Moin also backed Hafeez as captain. “Hafeez showed good signs of captaincy. He should be given more time but he will need to learn from his mistakes.” However, Moin questioned coach Dav Whatmore’s performance, saying the team has hardly shown any improvement since he took charge earlier this year.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2012.
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