Shahid Afridi criticizes Pakistan cricket once again, voicing his frustration over the team’s struggles, poor selection decisions, and lack of stability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The former Pakistan captain, known for his outspoken nature, did not hold back while analyzing Pakistan’s recent failures in the New Zealand T20I series and the team’s flawed batting strategy.
Speaking at a media event on Wednesday, Afridi called out Pakistan’s batting unit for blindly adopting an aggressive approach, questioning their lack of adaptability.
“It looks like everyone wants to bat like Shahid Afridi, but you can’t score 200 in every match,” Afridi remarked, urging a more balanced approach to batting.
His criticism extended beyond just the batting unit, as he also questioned the team selection, handling of young talent, and the constant leadership changes in the PCB.
Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistan Cricket for Blind Aggression in Batting
Shahid Afridi criticizes Pakistan cricket for its reckless batting approach, stating that the players are trying to emulate his aggressive style without considering match situations.
📌 Key points from Afridi’s critique on Pakistan’s batting:
✔ Pakistan’s batters are prioritizing aggression over stability.
✔ Blind hitting is leading to frequent batting collapses.
✔ The team needs a structured batting approach, not just power-hitting.
Afridi, who was famous for his explosive batting, emphasized that aggression alone cannot win matches. Instead, he suggested that Pakistan needs a mix of stability and power-hitting to be successful.
“A team needs balance. Not every player should aim to hit sixes from ball one,” Afridi added.
Selection Blunders: Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Board’s Decisions
Afridi also targeted the PCB’s selection policies, especially in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, where Pakistan is trailing 0-2.
📌 Afridi’s key concerns regarding team selection:
✔ Pakistan picked pacers when spinners were needed and vice versa.
✔ Several inexperienced first-class players were selected for tough conditions.
✔ Bench strength is not being utilized properly.
“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 pointed out.
The lack of strategic planning in team selection has left Pakistan struggling against a well-prepared New Zealand squad, raising concerns over the decision-making capabilities of the selectors.
Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistan Cricket for Wasting Young Talent
Afridi also slammed the management for poor squad rotation, questioning why young players like Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan are continuously benched.
📌 Afridi’s concerns about wasted talent:
✔ Young players are not being given enough chances.
✔ Reserves warm the bench without real game exposure.
✔ Pakistan’s squad rotation is ineffective.
“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 asked.
By not giving emerging players match experience, Pakistan cricket risks stagnation while other teams develop their bench strength through exposure.
Is the Coaching Staff Failing? Afridi Raises Questions
Afridi also questioned the effectiveness of Pakistan’s coaching staff, suggesting that fundamental cricketing skills are still lacking at the national level.
📌 Afridi’s concerns about Pakistan’s coaching setup:
✔ Players still struggle against basic spin bowling.
✔ Fundamental cricketing skills should already be mastered at the national level.
✔ Coaches should focus on refining tactical strategies, not teaching basics.
“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,” Afridi emphasized.
His remarks suggest that either the coaching methods are ineffective, or players are not developing as expected under the current system.
Shahid Afridi Criticizes Pakistan Cricket Board’s Leadership Instability
Afridi did not hold back when talking about the constant instability in PCB leadership, which has affected team performance and long-term planning.
📌 Afridi’s criticism of PCB’s leadership:
✔ Frequent changes in PCB chairman role hurt long-term planning.
✔ Pakistan’s captaincy decisions lack consistency.
✔ Babar Azam was given ample time as captain, while Mohammad Rizwan was removed too soon.
“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 asked.
Pakistan cricket’s inconsistent leadership decisions have led to uncertainty within the squad, preventing stability and progress.
Shahid Afridi’s Bold Statements on Pakistan Cricket’s Downfall
The Shahid Afridi criticizes Pakistan cricket debate highlights major concerns within the national team, from reckless batting strategies to poor selection policies and leadership issues.
📌 Key Takeaways from Afridi’s Criticism:
✔ Pakistan’s batters need a structured approach, not blind aggression.
✔ Team selection has been flawed, with poor squad balance.
✔ Young players are not being given proper opportunities.
✔ Coaching methods and team strategy need improvement.
✔ PCB’s inconsistent leadership is affecting long-term success.
As Pakistan continues to struggle in the T20I series against New Zealand, Afridi’s words serve as a wake-up call for the management and selectors. Whether the PCB will take his advice seriously remains to be seen.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Pakistan cricket needs urgent reforms to regain its competitive edge on the global stage.
