Babar Azam on relationship with Shaheen Shah Afridi: 'We support each other in every situation'

Ahead of the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 series , the big talking point is the return of Babar Azam as skipper. After being asked to step up down following a poor ODI World Cup campaign last year, Azam is back in command in all formats. Stepping away from temporary duties in T20 format is Shaheen Shah Afridi whose tenure as captain lasted all of one series.

There have been rumours of rift in the Pakistan team due to the decision and the way it was carried out by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Azam addressed the elephant in the room on the eve of the five-match series against the Black Caps.

“I want to make clear that Shaheen [Afridi] and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way,” Babar said in Rawalpindi. “We support each other in every situation. Our aim is to put Pakistan first, and how to put Pakistan’s name up in lights. We don’t think of individual glory, and thankfully, those elements are not present in my team.”

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Babar was installed the captain again after a change in leadership within PCB. As he sat in the captain’s press conference, he acknowledged the return with a succinct opening greeting.

“Good to see you again.”

Azam spoke about Usman Khan who switched allegiances by representing Pakistan and not UAE. A move that earned him a five year ban from the Emirates Cricket Board. Azam, though, backed the 28-year-old.

“Usman needs to keep doing the things that got him here,” Babar said. “We put expectations on every player. I expect certain things from myself as well as my players. It pleases me when a young player gets an opportunity and the senior players back him. We try and take young players under our wings because when you come to international cricket, you initially struggle and need support and confidence. And then those players go on to serve Pakistan.”

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With New Zealand fielding an under-strength team that has seen nine changes, some forced by injury and others with key players plying their trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Azam said Pakistan would be flexible to experiment with T20 World Cup few weeks away.

“Our line-up is flexible,” he said. “We’re trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strength. You’ll see different combinations in this series and check what works for us. You’ll see that in the bowling as well as batting, and in every spot. By the time we get to the Ireland and England series, we’ll have a clearer picture.

“I always believe the players we have here are here on the basis of performance. Sometimes it becomes difficult when you have so much talent at your disposal to produce a playing XI. We try and do the best for Pakistan. All of this is preparation for the World Cup and it all starts tomorrow.”

In the form of the five-match series, Pakistan and Azam would be hopeful of continuinty. He is set to become the only player to lead his side to all three T20 World Cups in the 2020s - a rarity in the conveyer belt that is Pakistan cricket team leadership.

“When you’re a batter, you’re thinking differently, and the same when you’re a fielder,” Babar reflected. “And that’s also true when you’re captain. Whatever role you have you try and enjoy it, and to try and show your ability.

“I try to stay upbeat,” he said. “Even though sometimes you feel people don’t want to see you happy.”