Shahid Afridi led interim Selection Committee wanted Babar Azam replaced as captain: Najam Sethi

[MenInG]

Speaking in an interview:

“I say it again and again. I don’t take decisions like these [changing captain] myself. I take advice from people whom I trust"

“We made an interim selection committee when we took charge. Before the selectors came on board, they told us that there will need to be some changes and Babar needs to be replaced as captain as well. However, as soon as they were appointed selectors, they said there is no need to replace Babar. I told them that you are entitled to change your mind"

“I asked Mickey, do you want one captain or two captains for New Zealand series. After consulting with him, we decided on having one captain for the white-ball format. I told him, when you will come, you can sit with Babar and then decide from there onwards"

“PCB will sign one year contract initially and Arthur will be with Pakistan cricket team for Asia Cup and 2023 World Cup. I also took approval from Mickey regarding the appointment of some selectors, because it is already decided that Mickey and his team are coming, so why not take them on board informally before the contracts are signed"

“As long as Babar is a successful batsman and a successful captain, he will remain captain. If you continue to lose series, people will start questioning your captaincy and other qualities"

 

[Rana]

Sethi sab, listen to the cricketers and not your heart

 

[MenInG]

Sethi sab, listen to the cricketers and not your heart

Remember what I said to you before.

Politics.

 

[topspin]

If this is true. Afridi wasn't wrong. You can have a serial loser lead the side.

 

[Rana]

Remember what I said to you before.

Politics.

Sethi Sab doing a Kaleen Tripati so far on Pakistan cricket

Soon, he will pave the way for Munna (Shan Masood) to become the King of Mirzapur (Pakistan)

 

[Rana]

I say this with utmost sincerity and honesty

Babar should be the ODI captain until 2023wc at least

Imad is probably the right guy to lead the T20i side

It’s too difficult to say who should be the Test captain right now. The only guys that look like they will play 40 more Tests from here on are Babar, Saud (possibly) and Shaheen (fitness depending). Hassan Ali was a decent captain too for CP, but can he get his spot back in the side?

If You are not going with Babar for Test, take a punt and go for Saud.

 

[Saj]

Not clear which formats this refers to.

Possibly just white ball?

 

[Sherlock]

Remember when certain posters were celebrating Sethi's reinstatement and ignored his political leanings?

Now the other day Azhar Mahmood said he was being asked to be the coach for the next two tours, then within days Sethi's picked Saqlain for those tours.

He also wanted Mickey back as the coach but he won't actually be the coach and will just be person the coaches report to.

Wow what a clown show this is

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Remember when certain posters were celebrating Sethi's reinstatement and ignored his political leanings?

Now the other day Azhar Mahmood said he was being asked to be the coach for the next two tours, then within days Sethi's picked Saqlain for those tours.

He also wanted Mickey back as the coach but he won't actually be the coach and will just be person the coaches report to.

Wow what a clown show this is

Doesn't really matter the country is months away from becoming the next Yemen or Somalia. It's over.

 

[Zaz]

Remember when certain posters were celebrating Sethi's reinstatement and ignored his political leanings?

Now the other day Azhar Mahmood said he was being asked to be the coach for the next two tours, then within days Sethi's picked Saqlain for those tours.

He also wanted Mickey back as the coach but he won't actually be the coach and will just be person the coaches report to.

Wow what a clown show this is

The whole pakistan cricket has become a joke and sethi the biggest joker of them all

He cant keep his mouth shut or decide on any one thing without making a immediate u turn

 

[Saj]

It all seems so adhoc, with so much uncertainty and no stability.

From the coaching positions to everything else, it all seems a right mess.

 

[Bewal Express]

As predicted by anyone with knowledge of cricket- this is a circus run by am old man without the faintest idea what he is doing.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

This is just Najam Sethi trying to be a hero, evil powers tried to do that and I warded off them.

 

[AdnanDuhdra]

what a clown show, we need someone who can guard his tongue, rameez and najam sethi both of them can be guaranteed to blab something at first contact with mike

 

[Asif321]

Shan masood definitely is gonna take over sometime soon they are just waiting for babar to fail at WC. In case we lose to NZ that would be end of babar captaincy also

 

[offstump]

This is what happens when you put a senile old man in charge of cricket, whose greatest accomplishment was running his in-laws’ fruit farm business into the ground.

He doesn’t know left foot from right foot. One year contract here, long term contract there, making statements like Babar will be removed if his form dips, pushing back on the interviewer for bringing up Ramiz only to then turn around and blame him for everything . Just a bumbling idiot who is decades past his expiry date.

 

[MenInG]

Clarifications from Najam Sethi on Babar captaincy today:

1/3 For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game. Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Haroon Rashid.

2/3 Both Committees thought matter merited discussion but both later came to the conclusion that the status quo should be retained. I have subsequently publicly stated this position. In the final analysis my decision will be subject to the success or failure of status quo.

3/3. I will also be guided by what the Selectors and Director Cricket Ops and Head Coach have to say going forward. I expect they will be in the best position to advise me. Therefore we should support Babar and not make matter controversial in interests of national team.

 

[gazza619]

Afridi wanted to sack Babar.

Why is this clown revealing this. Some management discussions need to remain confidential you clown.

 

[Major]

I think even a blind man can see that Babar is a bad captain

 

[Rana]

Don’t understand why Babar still wants to continue as the leader considering the jury is out on him by 2 ex captains and legends of Pakistan at least

Wasim Akram was sick of him at KK. Now Shahid Afridi made it clear that Babar needs to be moved on.

 

[Markhor]

After failing to win a single home Test in eight attempts, any skipper with an ounce of shame would've resigned.

 

[Saj]

Why mention this now?

Really strange to bring this into the public domain now.

 

[Snowflake]

As predicted by anyone with knowledge of cricket- this is a circus run by am old man without the faintest idea what he is doing.

This is what happens when you put a buffoon like Sethi, who has no understanding of the game, in charge.

If you are not going to replace Babar, why come out with statements like this? I am not a fan of Babar the captain, but if you are to keep him in that position, at least give him the full backing so that he can feel confident to perform. You have now selected him as captain, but have also told him that he can replaced anytime - recipe for disaster.

 

[Rana]

This is what happens when you put a buffoon like Sethi, who has no understanding of the game, in charge.

If you are not going to replace Babar, why come out with statements like this? I am not a fan of Babar the captain, but if you are to keep him in that position, at least give him the full backing so that he can feel confident to perform. You have now selected him as captain, but have also told him that he can replaced anytime - recipe for disaster.

They are doing it on purpose

The hint should have been in his initial statement when he said ‘Babar can be captain of all formats as long as he likes, or it’s up to him if he wants to captain one format or two formats’.

They are basically hinting to Babar to just step down gracefully

 

[Mirpur express]

Lmao @ ppl here suggesting Imad Wasim as the national t20 captain * the couldn’t buy a win for KK & the only reason he’s in the team as he is the form of his life. Babar is the right guy just now , form is temporary but class is permanent.

 

[Snowflake]

They are doing it on purpose

The hint should have been in his initial statement when he said ‘Babar can be captain of all formats as long as he likes, or it’s up to him if he wants to captain one format or two formats’.

They are basically hinting to Babar to just step down gracefully

These hints are not given out in public but during backdoor talks. In this statement, Sethi has basically thrown both Babar and Afridi under the bus. I am sure Afridi, and the interim selection committee, also made those remarks assuming confidentiality from the board.

I really do not understand why Sethi needs to put these sensitive decisions/discussions out in the public for all to view. One would feel very insecure and exposed as a Pakistani captain under this kind of regime.

 

[Firebat]

There's 0 benefit to this statement. Either you remove him or you back him publicly. Privately, they can say anything they like between themselves. But don't bring such doubt into public domain, it can only bring a negative effect. Bad move.

 

[Zaz]

And these people are running our cricket

No wonder pakistan cricket is in the trouble its in with senile characters like this doing as they see and please with no thought to the repurcussions

 

[KhanNn]

He loves to add masala to news that isn't even news. After all he is a journalist. He wants to show what favours he's done to Babar and that he's not the bad guy

 

[Rana]

Not sure what is more shameful

Sethi throwing the dirty laundry out to dry or Babar still clinging on to leadership after so many hints

 

[Rana]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I spoke with Mr Najam Sethi who was kind enough to confirm he was not referring to me while commenting about Babar Azam’s captaincy. He has further clarified this in his social media posts. This has put the matter to bed.<br>All the best to Babar and his side for the series vs NZ</p>— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1645436172787765248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[topspin]

They are doing it on purpose

The hint should have been in his initial statement when he said ‘Babar can be captain of all formats as long as he likes, or it’s up to him if he wants to captain one format or two formats’.

They are basically hinting to Babar to just step down gracefully

Exactly this.

Babar just isn't getting the hint.

 

[Rana]

Exactly this.

Babar just isn't getting the hint.

He’s being Dheet

A lot depends on him to keep a hold of the captaincy. Lots of his mates and some player agents need Babar to keep doing what he is doing

 

[AAli98]

Worse captain then Safraz.. should have been sacked before he went into the pavilion for his stupid declaration v NZ.

 

[MenInG]

Obvious that no one in their right mind wants to remove Babar Azam. Sethi realized it as has Afridi.

That aside, total failure to communicate on this front by PCB and nice time to reflect for those doing a merry dance when the new admin came into power.

They have consistently been making a mess of everything - all they can do is empty slogans because that's all they are good for. Politics.

 

[offstump]

He’s being Dheet

A lot depends on him to keep a hold of the captaincy. Lots of his mates and some player agents need Babar to keep doing what he is doing

I highly doubt this is the case. Babar can be removed from captaincy at any point, he can be as dheet as he wants but nothing is preventing Sethi aka the man with more cricketing wisdom than anyone to have ever played or administered the game, to remove him. If the pcb want to remove him but are playing mental gymnastics so he steps down himself then I have to give Sethi and co credit because they are stupider than I thought.

 

[MenInG]

Babar Azam hit six fours in his innings of 46 in the warm-up match at Gaddafi Stadium.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/REjpUFpcbwM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[msb314]

Afridi wanted to sack Babar.

Why is this clown revealing this. Some management discussions need to remain confidential you clown.

This. Fully agree and Babar does not need to hear about this from the media..

 

[msb314]

After failing to win a single home Test in eight attempts, any skipper with an ounce of shame would've resigned.

Please also provide a viable alternative.. And no Shan Masood is not the solution.

 

[Rana]

Obvious that no one in their right mind wants to remove Babar Azam. Sethi realized it as has Afridi.

That aside, total failure to communicate on this front by PCB and nice time to reflect for those doing a merry dance when the new admin came into power.

They have consistently been making a mess of everything - all they can do is empty slogans because that's all they are good for. Politics.

The guy has lost 4 home Tests without winning a single one. He lost a home ODI series against NZ and home T20i series against England. Everyone knows how Pakistan played in the Asia cup and World Cup.

How is it beyond reality that someone would want Babar dropped from captaincy?

 

[MenInG]

The guy has lost 4 home Tests without winning a single one. He lost a home ODI series against NZ and home T20i series against England. Everyone knows how Pakistan played in the Asia cup and World Cup.

How is it beyond reality that someone would want Babar dropped from captaincy?

Because he is your best player and if he needs time to improve, he will get it.

Don't ask me, ask your saviour of Pakistan cricket and his able lieutenant Shakil Shaikh this question because they agree with me.

 

[Markhor]

Please also provide a viable alternative.. And no Shan Masood is not the solution.

I've never suggested Shan Masood.

I've nominated Shaheen Afridi, he's won two consecutive PSLs and is a guaranteed starter unlike many of the other candidates people name.

 

[Saj]

I'm wondering if they would have removed Babar as the Test captain if there was a suitable alternative to him?

 

[hafizexpress]

Misleading title as Najam Sethi never mentioned Afridi. Afridi said on his twitter himself that Sethi confirmed to him that he wasn't referring to him.

 

[MenInG]

Misleading title as Najam Sethi never mentioned Afridi. Afridi said on his twitter himself that Sethi confirmed to him that he wasn't referring to him.

At the time when the thread was made, Mr Sethi had indicated in his interview:

“We made an interim selection committee when we took charge. Before the selectors came on board, they told us that there will need to be some changes and Babar needs to be replaced as captain as well. However, as soon as they were appointed selectors, they said there is no need to replace Babar. I told them that you are entitled to change your mind"

This is why the thread title says "Shahid Afridi Led Selection Committee" - does not say Shahid Afridi said that.

Of course it was later denied by Afridi and Sethi which is recorded in this thread.

 

[MenInG]

Aaqib Javed in an interview

"Shaheen Afridi did what none of the captains in PSL did so far. He won back-to-back PSL titles. The way he carries the team and his style of working. In regard to Pakistan cricket, the way they play, and curating dead pitches - we can see perhaps a defensive mindset. Even if you bring Shadab, regardless of the format, I don't see any variations or changes - particularly aggressive change. Or if you bring in Rizwan, there won't be any apparent culture change. If someone can amp up Pakistan cricket and take it in the right direction, that is Shaheen Shah Afridi,"

"I'll talk from a pure cricketing perspective. Babar should stay the captain in test and one-day formats. Now that we don't have a lot of T20 cricket in then near future. Shaheen should lead the national side as a captain, keeping the World Cup in prospect. Even during that time, we might have one more PSL underway. Shaheen's approach is positive, and he plays fearless cricket. I think he should lead the T20 side as the captain. And Babar should continue in the tests and ODI sides"

 

[MenInG]

Najam Sethi in an interview:

"I also consulted Mickey Arthur, who also currently opposes any changes and said that we will see how things go in the future. Arthur, coaches, selectors, and the media will assess Babar's performance as captain and batsman. If the team continues to achieve victories in matches, then who can remove them from their position? In that case, they also have the right to stay in their current role,"

"I think it is premature to talk about leadership now. In the recent series against New Zealand, Babar is the best choice for captaincy in two formats. We will see what the selectors, coaches, and Arthur think in the future. It is also important to know Babar's own stance on the matter. He also our star batsmen,"

 

[MenInG]

Clarifications from Najam Sethi on Babar captaincy today:

1/3 For months media and cricketing circles have been discussing pros and cons of retaining Babar Azam as captain in all formats of the game. Since this decision is ultimately Chairman’s, I have sought views of Selection Committees headed by Shahid Afridi and now Haroon Rashid.

2/3 Both Committees thought matter merited discussion but both later came to the conclusion that the status quo should be retained. I have subsequently publicly stated this position. In the final analysis my decision will be subject to the success or failure of status quo.

3/3. I will also be guided by what the Selectors and Director Cricket Ops and Head Coach have to say going forward. I expect they will be in the best position to advise me. Therefore we should support Babar and not make matter controversial in interests of national team.

Salman Butt replying to Sethi:

"One thing I appreciate about Najam Sethi is his stance on non-interference in cricket matters. It's important for him to uphold this principle, especially since he's using political language"

"It's not about maintaining the status quo. Babar Azam is our main player and currently the number one batsman. Our success in winning matches over the past years has been largely due to Babar's contributions. If he's absent, we're certain to lose, and if he fails to score, instead of drawing a red line around him, we should support and encourage him"

 

[MenInG]

In a recent interview, Shahid Afridi:

"They [PCB] should have announced Babar Azam captain till the World Cup earlier, so the issue of captaincy would have ended there and then. I think Babar still needs to work on one or two things which I can see. After that, captain should go to India with full preparation and confidence"

"I don’t think there is any need to announce a vice-captain [for World Cup]. There is only one captain, so only keep him in mind and let him do his thing"