Former Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali didn’t mince words when assessing the captaincy of Shaheen Afridi during Lahore Qalandars’ turbulent run in the PSL 9. With the team languishing at the bottom of the points table after six consecutive losses, Azhar Ali pinpointed areas where Afridi’s captaincy fell short.
During a candid discussion on a local sports channel following Qalandars’ recent defeat to Multan Sultans, Azhar Ali emphasized the importance of team-first mentality in captaincy.
He urged Afridi to prioritize team objectives over personal preferences, suggesting unconventional strategies like opening the bowling with a spinner to shake things up.
“A captain should be willing to make sacrifices for the team’s greater good. Shaheen Afridi could have opted for a different approach, perhaps opening the bowling with a spinner to add variety and catch the opposition off guard,” Azhar remarked.
"A captain should be ready to make sacrifices for the team's sake…" @AzharAli_ gives suggestions to #ShaheenAfridi.
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The seasoned cricketer also previously raised concerns about Lahore’s bowling performance, particularly in the absence of leg-spinner Rashid Khan, whose presence had provided stability to the team’s bowling lineup.
“I believe Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy and Lahore’s bowling have been exposed. The absence of Rashid Khan has left a void that is keenly felt, as he brought a level of confidence and control to the team’s bowling department,” Azhar elaborated.
"Shaheen Afridi should have opened the bowling with a spinner. Babar Azam should also take selfless decisions. If you are performing well, it is your duty as captain to take the best out of your players and play out of comfort zone" – Azhar Ali 😱 #HBLPSL9 #tapmad #HojaoAdFree pic.twitter.com/c4xeAWRIKV
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 28, 2024
Azhar Ali pointed out instances where he observed a lack of coordination between the bowlers and the captain. He also highlighted strategic decisions that appeared disjointed and ineffective.
As Lahore Qalandars grapple with their ongoing struggles in PSL 9, Azhar Ali’s insights shed light on the challenges facing the team.
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