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In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed shares his expert analysis on the current state of Pakistan cricket. The ex-PCB selector reflects on Babar Azam's crucial century, the ongoing captaincy debate surrounding Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha, his advice for nurturing young talent like Saim Ayub — and much more.
Key revelations include:
1. On Babar Azam's Century Drought:
Yasir Hameed commented on the recent discussion around Babar Azam struggling to convert fifties into centuries, noting that Babar's recent performances indicate he has overcome this pressure point. "Babar has cracked the code” - On ending the century drought
2. On Pakistan's Leadership Changes:
Hameed offered a strong critique of the frequent changes in Pakistan's cricket captaincy across different formats, emphasizing the need for a sustained, clear leadership structure to ensure team stability and consistent performance. "This has to end" - Blunt assessment of musical chairs in leadership
3. Support for Shaheen Afridi's ODI Captaincy:
Despite recent questions about Shaheen Shah Afridi's leadership, Hameed voiced his full support for the pacer, pointing to his prior success and proven ability as a strong foundation for the One-Day International (ODI) captaincy role. "Shaheen has a track record" - Support for the ODI captain
4. Assessing Babar Azam's Career Potential:
Hameed was highly optimistic about Babar Azam's standing among his contemporaries, asserting that based on his current form and the pace at which he is breaking records, his career trajectory could be exceptional and historic. "He can go very far ahead from everyone" - On his record-breaking pace
5. On Players' Mental Struggles:
Hameed touched upon the non-technical challenges players face, particularly when going through a poor run of form. He suggested that these difficulties are often rooted in mental blocks rather than a failure of skill, requiring a shift in mindset to break free. "It is a psychological lock that needs to be broken" - On player struggles
6. Advice for Young Batters like Saim Ayub;
Offering specific technical advice to the promising young opening batsman Saim Ayub, Hameed stressed the importance of spending more time at the crease. He believes that building patience and occupying the pitch for longer periods is the crucial step for him to convert starts into significant scores. "He needs to occupy the crease" - The crux of his innings.
Watch the full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
1. On Babar Azam's Century Drought:
Yasir Hameed commented on the recent discussion around Babar Azam struggling to convert fifties into centuries, noting that Babar's recent performances indicate he has overcome this pressure point. "Babar has cracked the code” - On ending the century drought
2. On Pakistan's Leadership Changes:
Hameed offered a strong critique of the frequent changes in Pakistan's cricket captaincy across different formats, emphasizing the need for a sustained, clear leadership structure to ensure team stability and consistent performance. "This has to end" - Blunt assessment of musical chairs in leadership
3. Support for Shaheen Afridi's ODI Captaincy:
Despite recent questions about Shaheen Shah Afridi's leadership, Hameed voiced his full support for the pacer, pointing to his prior success and proven ability as a strong foundation for the One-Day International (ODI) captaincy role. "Shaheen has a track record" - Support for the ODI captain
4. Assessing Babar Azam's Career Potential:
Hameed was highly optimistic about Babar Azam's standing among his contemporaries, asserting that based on his current form and the pace at which he is breaking records, his career trajectory could be exceptional and historic. "He can go very far ahead from everyone" - On his record-breaking pace
5. On Players' Mental Struggles:
Hameed touched upon the non-technical challenges players face, particularly when going through a poor run of form. He suggested that these difficulties are often rooted in mental blocks rather than a failure of skill, requiring a shift in mindset to break free. "It is a psychological lock that needs to be broken" - On player struggles
6. Advice for Young Batters like Saim Ayub;
Offering specific technical advice to the promising young opening batsman Saim Ayub, Hameed stressed the importance of spending more time at the crease. He believes that building patience and occupying the pitch for longer periods is the crucial step for him to convert starts into significant scores. "He needs to occupy the crease" - The crux of his innings.
Watch the full interview with Saj here:
