'Reminds me of Imran Khan': Aaqib Javed marks out promising 21-year-old as candidate for future Pakistan captain

Aaqib Javed said that he had told Imran Khan that the player reminds the former fast bowler of the 1992 World Cup winning former Pakistan skipper.

Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has the potential to be Pakistan's next captain and has qualities which can be compared to the team's legendary former skipper Imran Khan, former fast bowler Aaqib Javed has said. Aaqib was head coach of the Lahore Qalandars, whom Afridi captained to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) title this season.

Javed said that the player's leadership qualities were identified early on.  (PCB)

The 49-year-old said that Shaheen had been identified for a leadership role by the Qalandars early on. “Shaheen has natural leadership talent and this is something we figured out two years ago. This is why we promoted him as vice-captain. I personally don’t think that age has any factor when it comes to leadership. For a captain, it is important to be committed and honest; these two things are present in Shaheen in abundance,” Javed told Cricket Pakistan.

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Javed said that he had told Imran, who is now Pakistan's Prime Minister, that he found a lot of similarities between Afridi and 1992 World Cup winning former captain.

“When we went to meet Imran Khan, I told him that Shaheen reminded me of his traits and I said that he will make us all proud. I am waiting for that time and the time will come soon,” he added.

Javed said that the Pakistan Cricket Board will have to do well to keep fast bowlers like Afridi and Haris Rauf fit.

“The players now are much different; be it mentally or physically. Shaheen is only 21 right now but the PCB has to manage these players once they grow a little older. For players like Shaheen and Haris, they capitalise on the rhythm and often face trouble once they take a break," said Javed.