Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi discussed his recent interaction with the current captain, Babar Azam. Afridi revealed that he didn’t let Babar get demotivated after defeating him in a pool match at his residence.
Both Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam are considered among Pakistan’s finest cricket players. While Afridi was known for winning matches single-handedly, Babar is currently one of the best batsmen in the world.
Recently, Shahid Afridi invited the entire team, including Babar Azam, to his home in Karachi for dinner. During the gathering, Afridi and Babar played a game of pool, which Afridi won. However, Afridi made sure that Babar didn’t feel upset or demotivated by his victory. He playfully mentioned that his encouragement after the game was the reason for Babar’s confidence in the subsequent press conference.
“I defeated him in the pool match, but I didn’t let him feel demotivated. I motivated him, which is why he appeared confident in today’s press conference,” Afridi explained during an interview with a Pakistani news channel.
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Afridi also emphasized the significance of rest for the players and mentioned his conversation with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will have to play continuously for eight months. He stressed that it is the responsibility of the selection committee to ensure players receive sufficient rest.
“I had a conversation with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, discussing their continuous cricket schedule for the next eight months. It is important to have a backup plan in place for them, and players will also require adequate rest during that time,” Afridi elaborated.
Afridi further stated that it is the duty of the selection committee and coaching staff to manage the players’ workload effectively during the upcoming eight months of cricket.
The Pakistan team’s next assignment is a tour of Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to begin at the Galle International Stadium on July 16.