NEWS
Follow UsPakistan's reinstated captain Babar Azam has made it clear that there is no bad blood between him and Shaheen Shah Afridi after the latter was recently stripped of the T20I captaincy.
Babar was Pakistan’s skipper across formats six months ago, but quit captaincy from all three formats post an unsuccessful 50-over World Cup campaign that saw the Men in Green fail to make it to the semi-finals.
In the aftermath of Babar’s resignation, the PCB appointed Shaheen as the side’s T20I skipper. However, his tenure ended up lasting just five games as the fast bowler was replaced by Babar.
“I want to make clear that Shaheen and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation,” said Babar ahead of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting in Rawalpindi on April 18 (Thursday).
“Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan's name up in lights. We don't think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team.”
Pakistan have also brought back Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir to the T20I set-up and Babar said this series will give him an opportunity to experiment and check the bench strength.
"Our line-up is flexible. We're trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You'll see different combinations in this series and check what works for us.
“You'll see that in the bowling as well as batting, and in every spot. By the time we get to the Ireland and England series, we'll have a clearer picture.
"I always believe the players we have here are here on the basis of performance. Sometimes it becomes difficult when you have so much talent at your disposal to produce a playing XI. We try and do the best for Pakistan.”
Talking about Usman Khan, who recently shifted back from UAE to Pakistan, Babar said: "Usman needs to keep doing the things that got him here. We put expectations on every player. I expect certain things from myself as well as my players.
“It pleases me when a young player gets an opportunity and the senior players back him. We try and take young players under our wings because when you come to international cricket, you initially struggle and need support and confidence. And then those players go on to serve Pakistan."
Babar is set to lead Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA and the 29-year-old wants to enjoy whatever comes his way.
"When you're a batter, you're thinking differently, and the same when you're a fielder. And that's also true when you're captain. Whatever role you have you try and enjoy it, and to try and show your ability.
"I try to stay upbeat. Even though sometimes you feel people don't want to see you happy."
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