“Babar Azam should hold more value during squad selection”- Shahid Afridi

As per the reports, PCB didn’t consider Azam’s opinion while picking the squad for Zimbabwe and South Africa tour. Babar Azam was not happy with few players that were dropped and picked in the team.

Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi has expressed his disappointment over the differences between Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam and the selectors with regards to team selection. Shahid Afridi comes forward in support of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam that the latter’s opinion should be given a weightage while picking a squad for any international tour.

“Babar Azam will lead the team in the middle and will be responsible for the team’s performances. Hence, his suggestions should hold more value during squad selection,” Afridi was quoted as saying in Cricket Pakistan.

“There can be a difference of opinion between the chief selector and captain, but such things should remain behind closed doors and not come out in the media,” he stated.

Inzamam-ul-Haq also was on Babar’s side for the same issue. Earlier, Inzamam ul Haq also bashed PCB for not allowing Babar Azam to put his opinion forward. “Babar Azam is not impressed with the team selection, and Mohammad Wasim is saying ‘it’s not your concern’. How can Mohammad Wasim say such a thing to Babar Azam? This is surprising. Now, where are those statements of Mohammad Wasim and the policies of the board saying that the captain will have the full authority and will have the main role in the selection?” Inzamam said

Babar Azam became the No. 1 ODI batsman by replacing Indian captain Virat Kohli. Babar Azam currently had a successful tour of South Africa where they won both ODI and T20I comfortably. Babar Azam led the team from the front and scored few unbelievable knocks in the game; ended up with the man of the series award. Pakistan starts the tour against Zimbabwe today which consists of 3 T20I and 2 Test matches.