(UTV | PAKISTAN) – Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez feels that Shaheen Afridi has a bright future as a leader.
Incidentally, under Afridi’s leadership, Lahore Qalandars clinched the 2021-22 edition of the PSL.
Hafeez, who played under him in the PSL, was impressed by his leadership qualities. ”He is an emerging star of international cricket and he has a great leadership skill. As we have seen in the last PSL season, and obviously as a youngster, he handled too many things in a right way and ticked most of the boxes.”
“Obviously, winning and (being) champion of that league is something special and good start for him (as a leader),” Hafeez told in Dhaka on Tuesday where he arrived to play for Mohammedan Sporting Club in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League.
Afridi, though, has been playing for Pakistan across formats, and represented his country in 36 internationals last year. Afridi also plays in the PSL and is scheduled to represent the English county, Middlesex next season. So there are concerns about the pace bowler’s workload.
”I still believe he has to think about a little bit more about his fitness and has to think about the load he is putting on his body because he is playing each and every game. And he thinks about this too, because he should not play each and every game, and obviously the leagues and counties, because it can break him up. I wish him all the best,” he said.
Hafeez retired from international cricket this year. The all-rounder, who played a key role in Qalandars’ memorable win in the PSL final, noted that he hasn’t thought much about his future plans or moving into a coaching role.
”To be honest, I am giving myself little bit of time to think about what way I can add more value. I am not the one who just rushes to anything. I will try to follow the process. If I can do anything in future in any role to serve my country, I will definitely opt (for it).”
”I really have no idea which way I will go (coaching role), but as I said I will think about it. At the moment, I am enjoying my cricket and giving my time to my family members and let’s see whatever way I can add value, because I am not a job seeker and I never wanted to be a job seeker.”