Manager calls Afridi an ‘absolutely clueless’ captain

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MUMBAI: Pakistan cricket team manager Intikhab Alam criticized Shahid Afridi following the side’s early exit at the World Twenty20, saying the captain had no idea what he was doing.

Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament after losing three of its four group matches, including a loss to rival India.

“A captain in his farewell event after a career spanning nearly 20 years, yet absolutely clueless in terms of on-field tactics and off-field leadership,” Alam said in his tour report, a copy of which was obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

“The captain failed to optimally utilize the talent at his disposal … his bowling changes and field placement, too, left a lot to be desired.”

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis offered to step down while apologizing to the nation on his return home.

Alam, who was the manager of the team when Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup, also questioned the team selection, mental alertness of the players and lack of physical fitness during the tournament.

“To cap it all, the tournament was being held in India, where the team was under multiple scanners at the same time, pushing the stress and anxiety levels very high,” Alam said.

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