Don’t expect Shehzad, Akmal to be Kohli, AB de Villiers: Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes that Pakistan’s cricket think-tank has erred by having too many expectations from out of favour batsmen, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal.
“I don’t know but it was wrong to expect them to be like Virat Kohli or AB de Villiers and perform like them,” Afridi said.
Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal, who are considered to be Pakistan’s best young batting talent, have been axed for the tour of England on disciplinary grounds and were omitted for the training and skills camps set up by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan on Sunday also said that it was the decision of the new selection committee to sideline the duo.
Afridi agreed with the views of the new selection committee and said there was no doubt that both players needed to work hard on their approach towards cricket.
“I also agree there should be no compromise on discipline. But I think it is best if we stop expecting too much from them and just let them be and let them play the way they do. With more experience I am sure they will be much better,” he added.
“But don’t expect them to perform like Kohli or de Villiers. Don’t make such comparisons.”
The 36-year-old further said that he thinks can play for two more years before finally calling it quits.
“I have given myself another two years of cricket because I am still enjoying the sport,” he said.
“It does not matter whether I play in foreign or domestic leagues, or for the national side. However, I will always be available for my country,” he added.
Afridi said he was impressed by the way Inzamam had called him up and spoken to him about his future plans.
“It was a good and positive thing and showed respect for a player. I told Inzamam if he wants to try out youngsters he should do that but whenever he feels he needs me I am there to play for Pakistan.”
Afridi stepped down as Pakistan’s T20 captain in April after poor performances in Asia Cup and World T20, which also led to the resignation of team’s coach Waqar Younis.
Speaking about why he didn’t show support for Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif’s return to international cricket, Afridi said that the crime committed by the trio was the same, but the attitude of the three was very different.
“After the scandal, I spoke to Amir and he admitted his mistake and sought forgiveness from everyone. However, I don’t know for what reason Butt remained in a state of denial and that really hurt me a lot as the scandal had damaged the image of Pakistan cricket,” he said.