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
'Special committee' not so special
Akram also slammed PCB's decision to form a committee to assess Pakistan's Asia Cup performances.
“I don’t think it can have any impact on the team’s performances. I wonder what they will ask them.”
The ‘special committee” has also been tasked to to 'keep a close eye on Pakistan’s World T20 campaign'.
The committee includes Shakil Sheikh (Chairman Cricket Committee), Subhan Ahmad (Chief Operating Officer) and Iqbal Qasim (Member) besides Test cricketers Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq.
“The committee comprises of just two cricketers while the others members are non-cricketers which surprises me,” said Akram.
Earlier Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis also expressed his concerns with the setting up of the ‘special committee’.
“This word, tehqiqat (investigation), isn’t very pleasant,” Younis said in an interview with Cricinfo.
“But the circumstances are such that such words will be used. I think there are far worse words being used in our media. But that’s the way it is.
“You have to take it on the chin when you are in this business. I guess this is why everyone is trying their best to have a good World T20.
“We have to pick ourselves up, not only the team but even the management. Even the entire country I feel… We are going to a big tournament.
“You cannot really just put everyone down at all times and then send them to such a big event. I think it is about time that should we all back our boys as well as the management because all the backing will be required,” added the former pacer.
Pakistan kick off their World T20 campaign on March 16.
