This just in. Shahid Afridi has been named as the Captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team for their title defense of the Twenty20 World Championship to be held in the West Indies later next month.
Afridi, one of the most gifted players of the shortest version of the game, is notably one of the most inconsistent players of the other versions, but that does not matter of course.
Another point worth noting is that he is in the side predominantly for his skills with the ball, and not the bat as prophesized about 10 years ago, when he was 12.
Not to forget that Afridi is still under probation for his indiscipline down under, and his propensity to eat cricket balls.This means that another mistake, and doomsday might be nearer. The added pressure of captaincy would surely not assist another mistake. Surely.
A skipper should always be from the senior players, no matter how tarnished he is, so said the wise men.
Afridi meanwhile, is over the moon. He is full of joy and is excited about leading the most settled side in International Cricket.
Cricinfo sums the management efficiency with this assumption:
Hope Afridi proves the detractors wrong. Of course that would result in a paradox, as the legend of Afridi relies heavily on the mishaps, but that is the last thing Pakistan needs.
All the very best to Shahid Afridi from this blog. No offence meant.
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The huddle should be interesting. Instead of each player taking it in turn to give a rousing speech, they will instead each take a bite from a juicy cricket ball. Cannot wait!