LAHORE: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has named bowling sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi as the best bowler across all-format, saying that the pacer deserves to be in the top 10 bowlers list of every format.
“The way Shaheen works and performs, he has to go further ahead in his career,” Babar said, praising the left-handed pacer. “Shaheen is the number one bowler for me. He will also stand first in the rankings,” he added.
The statement came during a press conference in Lahore when Babar said that Shaheen always works the hardest in every format, and that as a captain, he wants and prays that Shaheen may achieve more success.
Referring to the recent Australian team’s tour, Babar Azam said it was excellent, adding: “It is a good thing that now other teams will also come to Pakistan.”
Sharing the best thing about the recently concluded series, he said it was that the Aussies did well in Pakistan. They also enjoyed both on and off the field, he added.
Babar went on to say that it was also good that the Pakistani cricketers are playing county cricket. He said he did not play four-day cricket in county cricket, but has played T20 cricket. “I think playing county cricket improves your game. England’s conditions are not easy, so playing there gives experience and improves cricket,” he added.
The award winning cricketer said that he did not have many facilities that are available to the youth of today when he started playing cricket. “There are indoor halls, gymnasiums and also swimming pools and the young cricketers and children should benefit from it to the maximum,” Babar added.
The national team captain advised youngsters willing to become sportsmen to play whatever they want and choose the game of their choice and work hard at it, instead of following others’ suggestions. Apart from cricket, Babar said he also plays other sports, but enjoys golf the most.
