Mohammad Amir criticised the PCB for giving Shaheen Afridi the ODI captaincy, arguing that Mohammad Rizwan deserved more time and proposing that Afridi should have served first as vice captain.
Amir calls for steady planning
In a video message, Amir said, “I don’t think Mohammad Rizwan has been treated fairly. Rizwan was not a bad one day captain.”
He highlighted recent results, adding, “He led Pakistan to series wins in South Africa and Australia.” Moreover, he urged patience with one captain till he get enough matched to produce the results. “Captaincy should not depend on just one good or bad series,” he said.
He also praised Rizwan’s qualities, noting, “Rizwan is a smart captain and has that knack for leadership.” Setting out an alternative path, he advised, “If Shaheen had to be made captain, he could have first been appointed as vice captain and his performance judged accordingly, especially considering his fitness.”
Background and next assignments
Meanwhile, Afridi’s first ODI series in charge is scheduled in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November against South Africa. Whereas, Rizwan’s ODI ledger stands at nine wins and eleven losses from 20 games during his time as captain.
Shaheen Afridi’s stats while playing for Pakistan
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Wickets | 4 wicket haul | 5 wicket haul | 10 wicket haul |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 32 | 55 | 6,245 | 120 | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| ODIs | 66 | 65 | 3,372 | 131 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| T20Is | 92 | 92 | 1,995 | 118 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Shaheen Afridi’s ODI records
| Category | Rank | Record | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Averages/Strike/Economy | 5th | Best career strike rate | 25.7 balls per wicket |
| Bowling – Hauls | 1st | Most consecutive four-wicket hauls | 3 in a row |
| Bowling – Milestone | 10th | Youngest to take a five wickets | 19 years, 90 days |
| Fastest career wickets | 8th | Fastest to 50 ODI wickets | 25 matches |
| Fastest career wickets | 4th | Fastest to 100 ODI wickets | 51 matches |
