"We support each other in every situation" - Babar Azam asserts that his bond with Shaheen Shah Afridi is still strong

Pakistan white-ball skipper Babar Azam asserted that he and Shaheen Shah Afridi still enjoy an amicable relationship despite what has transpired in the last few weeks. The right-handed batter assured that every member has a common goal with a few months to go for the T20 World Cup.

Babar replaced Afridi as the T20I skipper under controversial circumstances, with the latter serving in the role for only one series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly did not communicate the reason to Afridi for replacing him.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the 1st T20I against New Zealand, Babar clarified that every player supports one another in every situation. As quoted by ESPNCricinfo, the 29-year-old said:

"I want to make clear that Shaheen [Afridi] and my bond is not recent, it goes back a long way. 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."

Babar Azam stepped down as the skipper across formats after the 2023 ODI World Cup, with Pakistan failing to reach the knockouts again. Post that, Shaheen Afridi was handed the T20I reins, only to removed a few months later.

Top-order batter Shan Masood, on the other hand, was named the Test captain.

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"We're trying to give opportunities to our young players and bench strengh" - Babar Azam

Babar Azam and Michael Bracewell. (Credits: Twitter)

Babar Azam went on to add that Pakistan will keep experimenting in the series, with a view to giving opportunity to different players. He added:

"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. 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."

The Men in Green also have T20I series scheduled with England and Ireland before the mega event in June.