Captain must be part of team selection, responsibility lies with all players: Shaheen Afridi
Captain must be part of team selection, responsibility lies with all players: Shaheen Afridi
Rawalpindi ; Nawaz Gohar ; Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi stressed the importance of collective responsibility and team involvement in selection decisions during a press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, Afridi said, “The captain should be involved in team selection. Selection committees prepare the squad, but it’s essential to consider the captain’s input. Responsibility is not just for the batters, it lies with every player in the team.”
Afridi, who led Pakistan to their first home ODI series win against South Africa, emphasized learning from mistakes and fostering team unity. “We openly discuss our errors. No player drops a catch intentionally, it’s part of the game. Our fielding has improved significantly in recent times,” he noted.
Reflecting on captaincy, Afridi revealed, “When I became captain, I consulted all senior players, including Babar Azam. Mohammad Rizwan is a remarkable individual; I informed him first about my captaincy plans. After discussing, Rizwan chose to step aside, and I accepted the responsibility with his blessings.”
He highlighted the balanced approach of the team, saying, “Our focus is on batting, bowling, and fielding. Players like Babar, Rizwan, Fakhar, Saim, or I alone cannot carry the responsibility. Every player must contribute.” Afridi also praised Rizwan for being the highest run-scorer for Pakistan in ODIs since 2023.
Discussing squad management, Afridi added, “Players not in form will be supported, and we aim to provide opportunities to strengthen bench depth. Hassan Nawaz was released to spend time with his family, but he remains in the domestic plan.”
On the eve of the series, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka lauded Pakistan’s hospitality and cricketing environment. “Pakistan-Sri Lanka matches always deliver exciting cricket. Pakistan has strong batters, and we have quality bowlers. Facing Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will be a thrilling challenge for our batsmen,” he said, anticipating a competitive and entertaining series.
