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Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has blasted Pakistan’s batting lineup, criticizing their reckless approach and lack of consistency in international cricket. The legendary all-rounder, known for his aggressive batting style, ironically called out the current batters for mindlessly adopting the same approach instead of building an innings.
Afridi was particularly disappointed with Pakistan’s performances in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, where they are trailing 0-2 in the five-match series. He also took aim at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for selection blunders, poor player management, and instability in leadership.
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Afridi Slams Batting Strategy and Selection Blunders
Speaking at a media gathering on Wednesday, Afridi pointed out a major flaw in Pakistan’s batting mindset, suggesting that players are prioritizing aggression over stability, which is hurting the team’s performances.
“It looks like everyone wants to bat like Shahid Afridi, but you can’t score 200 in every match. They sent first-class players with just 10-11 matches of experience. Where spinners were needed, they picked pacers, and where pacers were needed, they picked extra spinners,” Afridi said.
Afridi further criticized the team management for poor selections during the New Zealand tour, arguing that Pakistan’s squad lacked balance and was not suited to the conditions.
Calls Out Management for Bench-Warming Players
Afridi also questioned the Pakistan team management’s handling of key players, particularly Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan, who have remained on the bench for extended periods without opportunities to prove themselves.
“These players have been warming the bench for a long time, yet they are not being given chances. What’s the point of keeping them in the squad if they aren’t going to play?” Afridi questioned.
Afridi on Pakistan’s Coaching and Leadership Instability
The former skipper also took a dig at Pakistan’s coaching setup, stating that at the international level, players should not need basic coaching. He expressed frustration over the frequent leadership changes in the PCB, which have led to uncertainty and inconsistency in team decisions.
“At the Pakistan team level, players shouldn’t need to be taught how to play off-spin. These are basic skills that should already be mastered. The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why was Mohammad Rizwan only given six months in the role?” Afridi concluded.
Pakistan’s Ongoing Struggles
Afridi’s comments come amid Pakistan’s ongoing struggles in white-ball cricket, particularly in T20Is, where they have struggled to keep up with modern power-hitting teams like India, England, and Australia. With the T20 World Cup 2024 on the horizon, the team will need to reassess its approach and make key adjustments to be competitive in major tournaments.
