Salman Butt does not consider Shaheen Afridi as the next Pakistan captain

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt feels that there is no need to discuss pace bowler Shaheen Afridi being the next captain of the Pakistan team now. Afridi had a sensational Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 season, leading the Lahore Qalandars to the title win as well.

After the title win, Lahore Qalandars head coach Aqib Javed has shared that Shaheen Afridi is good enough to captain Pakistan. Although Butt also applauded the young pacer’s leadership skills, he thinks too many players vying to lead Pakistan will make for an unhealthy situation as well.

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In a video on his YouTube channel, Salman Butt said: “Shaheen Afridi captained really well and showed great skills. But I think there is no need to go in seventh gear. Aaqib Javed has the right to speak in such a way and one should encourage players with such words. But if four-five people of the same age group get ready for captaincy then its not healthy for the team. It is good to have a leadership group but when a player starts thinking that he should be the captain then it is not healthy for the team.”

“PSL is not anywhere near to the pressures and demands of international cricket” – Salman Butt

Salman Butt also opined on the difference in quality in the Pakistan Super League and international cricket, stating: “PSL is not anywhere near to the pressures and demands of international cricket. So let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.”

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However, Butt also thinks the upcoming Test series will be a big test for the Australian players, who need to adjust to the slow and turning pitches in Pakistan as well. The first Test between Pakistan and Australia will start at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from March 4 onwards.

“It will be a test for Australian batting. The pitch will be slower compared to that in Australia and there will be grip on offer. They will need to show adjustments there,” Salman Butt concluded.