'Shaheen Afridi and my bond...': Babar Azam addresses Pakistan's captaincy controversy | Cricket News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Pakistan's cricketing arena has been abuzz with speculation and intrigue following the recent captaincy shuffle that saw Babar Azam reinstated as skipper, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Amidst swirling controversies and media reports hinting at dissatisfaction within the team, Babar Azam has finally broken his silence on the matter, shedding light on his relationship with Afridi and Pakistan's focus ahead of the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.

The captaincy change came on the heels of Pakistan's 1-4 defeat to New Zealand, raising questions over Afridi's leadership during his maiden stint as captain. Reports surfaced suggesting Afridi's discontent with the abrupt leadership transition, compounded by enigmatic social media statements.

However, addressing the tumultuous period, Babar Azam emphasized the enduring bond between him and Afridi, asserting their mutual support for each other.

"Shaheen and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. We support each other in every situation," Babar clarified, underlining their shared commitment to prioritizing Pakistan's success over individual accolades.

Looking ahead to the T20 series, Babar hinted at experimentation within the squad, emphasizing the team's flexibility and the importance of nurturing young talent.

"Our lineup is flexible. We're trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You'll see different combinations in this series," Babar remarked, hinting at Pakistan's strategic preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Expressing satisfaction with the squad's balance of youth and experience, Babar welcomed the inclusion of new faces, emphasizing the team's collective support for players at all stages of their career.

"I am very happy when I see a new player getting selected... We try to keep them in our wings," Babar affirmed, highlighting the role of senior players in providing guidance and support to emerging talents.

(With inputs from ANI)

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