Former Pakistan pace bowler Sikander Bakht believes that all-rounder Shahid Afridi should have opted for compromise with the Pakistan Cricket Board instead of getting involved in legal wrangling.
Sikander Bakht, who has 53 international appearances under his belt and emerged as a popular commentator following his retirement, said: “The board had decided not to appoint Shahid Afridi as captain, but they had to do it in the end. The decision should have come later, not now.” “After his appointment, the team performed well. However, Afridi is aggressive by nature and he is an outspoken person, so he couldn’t manage the players properly – he failed to handle the captaincy with diplomacy,” Pakpassion quoted Sikander as saying.
Being a keen follower and a seasoned observer of the game, Sikander expressed concerns over the involvement of the High Court in Afridi’s case. “Now that the case has been taken to the Court, a lot of hidden facts will be revealed, and this is certainly not a good scenario. It is going to be bad for Pakistan’s reputation and will be a cause for embarrassment to all of us,” he added. “Afridi should have opted for a compromise instead of taking the matter to the Court,” he opined. Sikander, who has worked with the Pakistan team in the past as an analyst, believes that indiscipline should be nipped in the bud. Citing the example of Umar Akmal allegedly feigning injury during Pakistan’s tour to Australia in 2009/2010, he stated: “When Umar Akmal refused to play after Kamran was dropped, he should have been sent to Pakistan straightaway.” “The PCB should take immediate action the moment a youngster is found guilty of a breach of discipline. Take action before they become stars,” he said.
In Afridi’s case it is slightly different as Sikander further added “Afridi is a star now – You cannot treat him in this manner now.”
