Even though reports claim that Shahid Afridi has major backing for the captaincy post, former coach Mohsin Khan believes the final decision is PCB’s domain. PHOTO: AFP
The all-rounder did not show immediate signs of quitting when Pakistan bowed out of the World Twenty20 without making it to the semi-finals — the day when they went down against the West Indies.
The senior cricketer took over a day to resign and his decision came after meeting with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) bigwigs.
While the board made it clear that Hafeez was not forced to quit captaincy, an official close to the top PCB management claimed that the all-rounder was pushed to resign — averting a storm of reaction from former cricketers and fans.
Over the years, captains have had to bear the brunt of failures by the Pakistan team, and the recent instance has brought the players in a fix.
In conversation with The Express Tribune, players who appear favourites to replace Hafeez gave vague responses in relation to the post of captaincy.
“It’s a tough job,” said a seasoned player when asked about his ambition of becoming captain.
“I personally feel for Hafeez. Because of the fear of such an ordeal, I did not respond positively about the captaincy offer that was made.
“It’s an honour to lead the national team, but at times the criticism levelled at the captain gets blown out of proportion, which may ruin his career.”
Another senior player echoed this view, stating that even though he can handle the responsibility, he had no desire to take up the post.
“I can just take it as a challenge,” said the player. “However, it’s very difficult to lead the Pakistan team; you have to face a lot of flak.
“The captain is not solely authorised to take the team’s decisions such as selection or game plans, but he is the first to be made the scapegoat.”
Meanwhile, a relatively younger player said he would rather focus on his individual performance.
“We are a result-oriented nation and the team has to face condemnation for every single defeat. The captain gets the major chunk of that criticism and I am not ready for that.”
The PCB is likely to discuss the matter on April 15.
Let PCB appoint captain: Mohsin
Following Hafeez’s resignation, several former cricketers have geared up for their suggestions on his replacement.
According to reports, former captain Mohammad Yousuf and former chief selector Iqbal Qasim have backed Shahid Afridi to become captain.
However, former coach Mohsin Khan said the decision was the PCB’s domain and the board will come up with the best possible result.
“Afridi is a great fighter and he has won some great matches for Pakistan,” he said. “But choosing the captain is the PCB’s domain. I will also advise the players not to think much about it and just be prepared to serve the national team under any captain.”
Afridi issued show-cause
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has slammed all-rounder Shahid Afridi with a show-cause notice for his media interaction without ‘prior permission’.
An official of the PCB confirmed that the board has sought an explanation from the veteran cricketer for his statements.
On return from Bangladesh, Afridi had slammed his teammates and blamed the batsmen for the defeat against the West Indies.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 9th, 2014.
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I think shahid afridi is a g0od choice for captain because he is a g0od fighter and he is also a g0od all rounder
Apridi doesn't even deserve to be in the team. Who in his right mind would even think about making him captain again after what he did last time when made the captain.
There is a difference between being staright forward and being stupid. Any sane person would have responded " It is the board's decision to appoint the captain. Plus we should not blame everything on the captain. The TEAM lost" But you know what ?? You cant expect such statements from selfish players hungry for fame. His gestures during the game were pathetic as well when he was explaining to everyone how to attack. 4 players got out "stumped" . To do that you have to be attacking isn't it ? what are you talking about Mr Shahid? You should such a disgusted expression when Sohaib got out trying to hit Sunil Nar. for six suggesting that he should not have done that to the best WI bowler. Guess what ?? he did the same himself and got out the same way. Now did everyone else show this kind of gesture to you. In the match against India we were setup perfectly for the last gasp but he himself failed to score quick runs and that costed us the match. When he was struggling to hot the ball in the ground were, the others making these stupid gestures ? NO ofcourse not because its a team !!! If someone does or says something against you , you run after them as if they have committed a crime. He is the biggest politician in the side and should be shown a show cause notice even for making stupid gestures during the game AGAINST his team mates and captain !!!
Afridi issue a show-cause notice, it might be a policy of PCB. But realistically, Afridi was right that nobody tried to go after the bowlers and played negatively. The same negativity was seen by Misbah in 2011 World Cup semi final against India. Afridi, being a free-will "Pathan" is also much straightforward and true in his approach so many of the hypocrites (political and religious both) don't like him.