Shahid Afridi criticises Rizwan’s leadership, urges Shaheen Afridi to take bold decisions ahead of World Cup

Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has expressed disappointment with the leadership style of Mohammad Rizwan, saying a captain should take responsibility rather than shifting blame to the team management after defeats.

Speaking during a discussion on Pakistan cricket, Afridi said he was particularly unhappy with Rizwan’s remarks in a press conference where the wicketkeeper-batter suggested that certain decisions were made by the selection committee and coaching staff.

Afridi pointed out that such statements do not reflect the qualities of a strong leader. According to him, a captain must stand by decisions during both victories and losses instead of distancing himself from them after the fact.

The former all-rounder also spoke about Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is being viewed as a potential leader in the future. Afridi said he does not want Shaheen to adopt the same approach and hopes the pacer will show stronger leadership qualities if given responsibility.

He emphasised that with the ICC World Cup approaching, team leadership must be clear and decisive. Afridi added that the captain and the head coach should work together to build the team and make important decisions collectively.

“A leader should never say later that he had no control,” Afridi remarked, stressing that accountability is a key trait of effective captaincy.

Afridi concluded by expressing hope that Shaheen, if entrusted with leadership duties, will take decisions openly and stand firmly by them in partnership with the coaching staff as Pakistan prepares for major international tournaments.