Shahid Afridi’s stature creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for some of the senior, decision-making players, according to a team member. PHOTO: AFP
But there are a few behind-the-scene talks that make his presence in the team all the more controversial.
“He brings in a lot of energy to the team that increases the motivation level,” said a player, who has played under Afridi’s captaincy.
“He has fighting qualities and that is a trait that helps the younger players. For junior teammates, he is an inspiration because he gives players confidence and teaches a never-say-die approach.”
Another of his teammate, one of the few accomplished current team members, also expressed delight on his return.
“No doubt, Afridi’s impact is always felt,” he said. “We had a World Cup instance when he led the team to the semi-finals. We rest a lot of hope on him despite his inconsistent performance.”
However, the player said that the feeling is not shared in the entire dressing room.
“Many players, especially the decision-making members of the squad, feel uncomfortable in his presence.
“The reasons are obvious — because it’s uneasy for them to handle a player of this stature. A sense of insecurity of losing power creeps in his presence. They say he’s difficult to handle and that brings a negative effect on the team. The same players also feel that Afridi is a celebrated cricketer because of his media contacts.”
An official close to the team also endorsed the stance.
“There is peace around when Afridi is not in the team,” the official quoted a senior cricketer as saying.
When posed a query on the related topic to Afridi in an interview, he had said, “I have no attitude problems.
“The way I enjoy the dressing room atmosphere, nobody else does. In fact, I made things better after I was made captain. I always try to keep the atmosphere vibrant to distract players in a pressure situation.
“I also don’t have any ego problems as I am always ready to play under any captain and always give my best to satisfy him with my performance.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 20th, 2013.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS (18)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
Afridi's performance is inconsistant , he is not a reliable bowler and batsman. He should now be retired and empty space for new comers. Abdul Razzak is far better than Afridi. Afridi is also involved in politics in team.
he has a test batting average of 38, that is class, not tulla,,, if he wants he can have an avrage of 35 in ODIs at DR of 80, but he doesnt play like that
@Fudge, this spot is the best in current team
In the near future, an old man on a wheelchair will be wheeled onto the pitch to the cheers of deluded supporters who have more loyalty than sense. Let your hero retire with dignity rather than shame.
@Bilal: batting average of 27?! It is no more then 23!
@Gulzar: Are you seriously comparing Shahid Afridi with Wasim Akram?! Akram will be an Oscar winner, Afridi- no more then a spot-boy.
@Gulzar: exactly, his one (one in maybe 50 games) performance is so good he doesn't need to do anything for the other 49 (or maybe more) games. What has he done in the next 2 games? All his wickets and no of sixes are from the 1st game. So keep waiting for another 49 games for him to do anything other then post heroic comments on FB for his one performance. I hope this gives you some perspective.
@Fudge: He has the maximum wickets and the highest no of sixes in the tournament so far and may be the lowest economy rate what do you call success?
What logic u are talking about afridi has more man of the match titles Than åny pakistani, has best allround Record in one dayers. He is still bettet than many
If Afridi performs Pakistan Win, Misbah is a total Failure, I don't care if he play almost 20 overs's for scoring 75 runs if the team lose the match.
so the "hero" has totally failed in the last 2 games. Is there any other player in the world who gets such undue/undeserving praise?! I shouldn't say much, just go and check his FB page after one of his once in a blue moon performances.
Wow. So, Afridi is a superstar now? A batting average of 27 and bowling avg of 40 (ex-minnows) makes you a superstar in Pakistan?
Sometimes I wonder if Pakistan exists in an alternate universe where logic and rationality don't exist.
Conspiracy, conspiracy & conspiracy against Afridi!!! He is better player than most of the players in the team; there is no doubt in it... Afridi is the 'better' difference in the team and we need that! Afridi Rocks!!!
Sadly a "Superstar" Afridi is only a "Superstar" caliber player in Pakistan, I guess that goes along well with the current standard of our cricket. We need a better standards.
Whatever Afridi brings he is the only superstar in team and he plats with honesty. All the best lala