Shaheen Afridi Prioritizes Pakistan’s Success Over Captaincy Ambitions
Pakistan’s star pace bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has declared that his unwavering priority lies in securing victories for his nation, rather than pursuing the coveted role of captaincy. During a recent media interaction in Karachi, Afridi emphasized that leadership positions are not within his control and do not align with his personal aspirations.
“Pakistan’s success takes precedence over everything else, followed by the team’s performance, and only then do I come into the picture,” Afridi asserted. “Dwelling on the past serves no purpose. My focus remains firmly on the present, and I refrain from speculating about the future. By excelling in the present, we can lay a solid foundation for the future. Captaincy is not something I can control, and it has never been a driving force in my cricketing journey. My sole motivation is to represent Pakistan with honor and dignity.”
Afridi’s appointment as Pakistan’s T20I captain came in the wake of the team’s disappointing exit from the group stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India. He led the side in a five-match series against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost 1-4. Despite the opportunity to demonstrate his leadership abilities, Afridi’s tenure as T20I captain was short-lived, as Babar Azam was reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Afridi’s candid remarks underscore his unwavering commitment to his role as a player, with an unwavering focus on contributing to the team’s success rather than seeking personal accolades. His primary objective remains to help Pakistan achieve victories on the cricket field, regardless of his position or responsibilities.
