If given a chance, I'll be honored to lead Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan’s ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his willingness to captain the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The seventh edition of the PSL is expected to kick start at the end of January next year. The player’s draft for the same is expected to be held in mid-December.

Earlier it was reported that Lahore Qalandars are in a search of a new face to lead the side. Shaheen Afridi is one of the most discussed names who is considered the strongest contender for the job. Speaking about the same, the speedster said he will be honored to take up the responsibility.

Often the leadership roles bring in their own challenges and workload. The pacer however reckoned that he has been working hard on his fitness and there wouldn’t be any issues when it comes to workload management.

“I will be honored to lead Lahore Qalandars if I am offered the captaincy role. I have always tried to give my best for the team and I will continue to do so. The workload is not an issue for me as I have trained very hard to keep myself fit. The staff has been extremely helpful and I am enjoying every minute of cricket across all three formats,” Afridi said as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Babar Azam gives confidence to every player: Shaheen Shah Afridi

Afridi has been one of the most pivotal cogs of Pakistan’s wheel for a long now. He opened up about bowling along with Hasan Ali and termed him as a fighter. The pacer also added that their all format skipper Babar Azam encourages all the players and in turn expects that the players bring their best game to the fore.

“We [Afridi and Hasan] have become a great duo and I like our bowling partnership. He is not only a great bowler but also a fighter. Whenever the captain hands me the ball, I give my 100 percent. Babar Azam gives confidence to every player and expects them to give their utmost best in return,” he added.

In the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, Shaheen Afridi displayed his sheer flair by being one of the architects of the team’s victory in the first Test. He chimed in with seven wickets in the first Test against the hosts.