The Pakistan Cricket Board should appoint flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi the helmsman of the national team, feels former legspinner Mushtaq Ahmed.
Mushtaq, who leaves next week for South Africa to join England team as the bowling consultant, thinks Afridi could prove to be a very successful leader.
“I think, it would be better if the PCB change the captain (Younus Khan) and give the responsibility to Afridi.
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As Younus himself has said it does not bother him if he is not the captain and willing to play as a senior member of the side,” Mushtaq said in an interview.
Mushtaq’s comments came a day after Afridi had a meeting with PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt, in which the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy was discussed.
Pakistan would next play a three-match one-day series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and two Twenty20 matches in Dubai from November 3.
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Mushtaq was quite impressed after watching Afridi leads his department team Habib Bank in the domestic circuit.
“Afridi is one of those players, who if given extra responsibility of captaincy will also raise his individual game. We saw that happen in the Champions Trophy tie against the West Indies when he put his head down and batted with responsibility,” Mushtaq said.
Mushtaq said the Pakistan team needed clear leadership and Afridi was the best choice to lead the team until the 2011 World Cup.
“The team needs to play more positively without fear and Afridi can bring that element to the team. Besides, as a senior player and vice-captain he is not bothered about seeking advice from other players. That is sign of a good captain,” Mushtaq said.
“As far as Younus is concerned, he is a team man and I don’t think he will be bothered if Afridi is made captain.”