Former captain Shahid Afridi urges grassroots reforms, criticises leadership after dismal T20 WC
\n Islamabad
\nFormer Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi didn\u2019t mince words when discussing the Pakistan cricket team\u2019s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies.
\nIn a recent media interaction, Afridi placed significant emphasis on the role of leadership, particularly scrutinising skipper Babar Azam\u2019s influence on the team\u2019s demeanour and results throughout the tournament.
\nHe referenced Indian captain Rohit Sharma, who recently led his team to victory over South Africa, securing their second T20 World Cup title.
\n\u201cLook, the role of a leader is always very important. The body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. The leader has to set an example. Take Rohit Sharma as an example. Now, look at his game and his style of playing; the lower-order batsmen who come in are all confident because the captain likes to play aggressive and attacking cricket. So, I always believe that the role of the captain is very important,\u201d Afridi said.
\nWhile expressing his continued support for Pakistan cricket, the former all-rounder stressed the need for reforms at the grassroots level.
\n\u201cI am always available for Pakistan cricket, but at the grassroots level, there is no need for me with the Pakistan team. Whatever is needed is at the grassroots level,\u201d he said.
\nIn response to questions about the team\u2019s performance, Afridi stated: \u201cOverall, if the performance had been good, you wouldn\u2019t be asking this question. Let\u2019s see what the chairman has said about making major changes to the team. I am also waiting to see what these changes will be, and you are too.
\nA positive decision needs to be made, and the changes shouldn\u2019t just be superficial. The real issue lies at the grassroots level of our cricket, which many cricketers often talk about. Our product is weak at the grassroots level, and if we invest there, good players will emerge. The real changes needed are at the grassroots level.\u201d
\n\u201cThere is talent; it just needs a bit of grooming. Cricket has changed now, and you have to develop your skills. We need coaches who can change the mindset at the grassroots level.
\nWhy do players start learning everything only when they join the Pakistan team? These things should be taught at the Under-19 level, including what coaching should be, what to eat, and how to train. The Pakistan team is a place for performance,\u201d he added.
\nAddressing governance issues within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the former captain advocated for structural changes in the selection and administrative processes.
\n\u201cThere should be a proper board. I would never say that the chief executive of the board should be the Prime Minister; it absolutely should not be. There should be a separate board that makes the selections.
\nThe chairman should have good relationships with other boards and schedule tours. Apart from this, the selection committee should have no involvement. I think the chairman should not even be involved in announcing the captain.
\nAll these decisions should be made by the selection committee, which should be strong enough not to change decisions based on anyone\u2019s influence,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Former captain Shahid Afridi urges grassroots reforms, criticises leadership after dismal T20 WC Islamabad Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi didn\u2019t mince words when discussing the Pakistan cricket team\u2019s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies. In a recent media interaction, Afridi placed significant emphasis on the role […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":416137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-416114","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n