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'If you remove seniors, how will juniors learn?': Shaheen Afridi defends Babar Azam and Pakistan's veteran stars originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Shaheen Afridi urged Pakistani media to stop targeting senior players repeatedly.
- Babar Azam was a key figure as Pakistan won the series 2-1 against Australia.
- This was their third straight ODI series victory over Australia.
Shaheen Afridi stands up for Babar Azam and Pakistan's experienced stars after conquering Australia
Pakistan's ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, urged the media to stop going after Babar Azam and other senior players every time they have a bad game, following a 2-1 series victory over Australia in Lahore on Thursday.
This was their third consecutive ODI series triumph against the world champions, with the earlier wins sealed in 2022 at home and the next one in Australia.
Pakistan bowled Australia out for 157 in 42 overs in the third and series decider fixture at the Gaddafi Stadium. Josh Inglis held the Australian innings together with a fighting 65 off 71 balls, which included eight fours and a six.
Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey each contributed 19, but Australia found little else of substance as Pakistan's bowlers controlled the game from start to finish. Shaheen led the attack with three wickets for 30 runs from eight overs, and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
MORE: 'They gave us a green wicket in Australia': Shaheen Afridi defends Pakistan's spin pitches after PAK vs AUS ODI series win
What did Shaheen Afridi say defending Babar Azam?
While chasing 158, Pakistan were not without their own difficulties, but Babar Azam played a composed 40-run knock that helped his side get over the line in 41.5 overs and four wickets to spare.
It was not the only time that Babar delivered with the bat, as in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, he had struck a half-century under difficult conditions.
“I have a request for you all. You always speak about the seniors not performing. When they do, you ask, ‘Why have you performed?’ Unhe ek haal pe chddh de (Just let them be). Everyone is trying their best. No one is going to their home,” Shaheen told reporters in the post-match press conference.
MORE: Has Ellis figured out Babar? Aussie reacts after dismissing PAK star again
“In the Rawalpindi ODI, Babar scored a fifty in difficult conditions. He also guided Ghazi Ghori. If you remove seniors from the side, how will you build up the juniors? When I made my debut, seniors were there, and I learned from them. Even the best player in the world will only do well in 3-4 games out of 10. No one can do well in all ten games, so just give everyone a chance."
Beyond the individual debate, Shaheen was careful to credit the squad as a whole. He acknowledged that batting had been demanding throughout the series and that the bowlers had risen to the occasion consistently across all three games.
“It was a team effort throughout the series. It was very difficult for the batters. We put in the effort and are happy with the win. We used the conditions to our advantage,” Shaheen said.
MORE: 'Only for a job extension': Shoaib Maqsood slams Hesson over 'dusty' Lahore track
The Cricket News Opinion: Shaheen Afridi is right to defend Babar Azam
There is a pattern in Pakistani cricket coverage where senior players are held to an almost impossible standard. They were celebrated briefly when they succeeded, then dismantled the moment they struggled.
Shaheen's plea was a reasonable point about how cricket teams actually function. Babar Azam is not finished, and neither are the others being written off after a handful of quiet outings.
Consistency takes time, and no team builds for the future by cutting its most experienced voices out of the room the moment results wobble.
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