Three runs and two wickets. That is all skipper Shahid Afridi contributed during Pakistan’s disastrous Asia Cup Twenty20 campaign which concluded on Friday.
The star all-rounder has come under the radar of the cricket fans who have criticised him for his inability to make a positive impact and win matches for the national side recently.
Amid a storm of harsh comments on social media as well as mainstream media forums, former Pakistan great Wasim Akram jumped in defence of one-time teammate, Afridi, and called on the critics to be ‘more realistic’.
“For the last 15 years, Afridi has maintained a particular style. He has no technique. He watches the ball and goes to hit it big,” said Akram while talking to local media in Karachi.
“He has been backed by everyone for that style. The fans have cheered for him exactly for that style.
“We shouldn’t all of a sudden expect him to come to the crease and start blocking the ball,” added the former captain.
Afridi batted twice in the four matches that Pakistan played in the Asia Cup, coming in at the six and seven numbers when the top and middle-order failed against India and Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s highest run-scorer was wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed, with 121 runs while the likes of Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, and Mohammad Hafeez all had a poor tournament.
Akram believed that the top order should have displayed more responsibility.
“Afridi cannot be expected to play according to the situation when he comes in. It’s the top six batsmen’s responsibility instead,” he said.
“Afridi’s batting is all about hitting big or getting out early. That’s how he is.
“However, he is a tremendous bowler.
“The way he has been criticised by the people is below the belt and totally unfair,” added the 49-year-old.
He said Pakistan did not have Michael Clarkes or Steve Smiths on the benches and urged critics to back the national team as it was the ‘best available’ at the moment
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