Days after being in news with his controversial remarks about Babar Azam, legendary Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has backed a star player to replace the premier batter as the Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Babar, Pakistan’s all-format captain, recently led the country to the final of the ICC World T20 2022. Babar, one of the best batters in the world, has led former world champions Pakistan in all formats of the game since 2020.
Akhtar, who recently lamented Pakistani players’ inability to communicate effectively in English, urged Babar to improve his oratory skills. Akhtar also claimed that Babar has failed to become Pakistan’s most recognisable brand. The former Pakistani pacer speaking to a Pakistani news channel, backed Babar’s teammate to succeed him as white-ball captain.
Akhtar believes all-rounder Shadab Khan should be the next captain of Pakistan’s men’s limited-overs team.
“Shadab is a very smart kid when it comes to cricket skills. He wants to improve, which is a very good thing. He is ready to accept his mistakes and rectify them. In past two years, he has worked really hard on his bowling and his fitness has improved as well. He wants to look good and speaks well. In times to come, he is not a bad option for captaincy for Pakistan in white-ball cricket,” Akhtar was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.