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[Saba Sports News] Pakistan’s star pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi recently made headlines with his comments on captaincy and commitment to the national team amidst changes in Pakistan’s leadership structure.
Following the team’s disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam stepped down as captain. Afridi was briefly appointed as T20I skipper, leading the team to a 1-4 series loss against New Zealand. His statements reflect a team-first mindset.
“Pakistan is first for me, then the team, and I come after that. I don’t like to think about the past,” Afridi told Times of India.
Afridi’s focus is on current performance and continuous improvement. “My job is to be in the present, and I don’t think about the future. If your present is good, you’re well-prepared for the future. Captaincy is not in my hands; I have never played for captaincy. I want to play for Pakistan with dignity,” he added.
Afridi’s stint as T20I captain was brief, with Azam reinstated as Pakistan’s white-ball captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite the leadership changes, Afridi remains committed and focused on his role in the team.