Ex-Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi took a dig at Babar Azam’s leadership style as he lauded Rohit Sharma for guiding India to the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

India defeated South Africa in the final of the tournament by 7 runs and became a two-time T20 World Champs. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was highly praised by former cricketers and journalists as well.

While praising Rohit Sharma for setting an example for the youngsters with his leadership, Shahid Afridi criticized Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Notably, Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super 8s after losing to India and USA in the Group stage.

"Look, the role of a leader is always very important. The body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. The leader has to set an example. Take Rohit Sharma as an example.

Now, look at his (Rohit's) game and his style of playing; the lower-order batsmen who come in are all confident because the captain likes to play aggressive and attacking cricket. So, I always believe that the role of the captain is very important," Afridi was quoted by PTI.    

Meanwhile, Afridi also urged the PCB to empower the national selection committee to appoint the Pakistan team captain.

"I don't know what the PCB chairman has in mind now and I am also waiting to see what changes will be made but I have always supported the team and will keep doing that. I am also waiting to see what these changes will be. A positive decision needs to be made, and the changes shouldn't just be superficial. The real issue lies at the grassroots level of our cricket. Our product is weak at the grassroots level, and if we invest there, good players will emerge," he added.

Reports stated that chief selector Wahab Riaz had submitted his report to the PCB and the board will act on the same in due time.