Shaheen says he respects Babar

LAHORE: Newly deposed Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has called it “an honour” to have led the Pakistan national team on the day it was announced he had been replaced by his predecessor Babar Azam.

He called it “my duty to back Babar Azam”, stating that both had the same aims. After a public process in which PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi repeatedly declined to back Shaheen, the PCB formally confirmed that the fast bowler’s one-series stint as T20I captain had come to a close, announcing Babar as T20I and ODI captain once more. With relationships within the team inevitably coming under strain, the PCB has put out a press release with Shaheen and Babar sending out statements of support for each other in a bid to put the whole saga behind them.

“I will always cherish the memories and the opportunity,” Afridi said. “As a team player, it is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam. I have played under his captaincy and have nothing but respect for him. I will try to help him on and off the field.’’