Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has voiced his dissatisfaction with the national team’s selection policies, stating that the management treats players as if they belong to the Under-14 level.
Speaking to the media at an event on Wednesday, Afridi emphasized the need for proper player management, particularly in terms of workload and rest. “Players need to be given breaks, whether it’s Babar Azam or anyone else,” he asserted.
He criticized the selection decisions for the recent tour of New Zealand, pointing out the lack of experience among the chosen players. “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 remarked.
The former all-rounder also questioned the role of the coaching staff, particularly former batting coach Mohammad Yousuf. “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,” he said.
Afridi further lamented the lack of opportunities for certain players, specifically mentioning Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan. “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?” he questioned.
Discussing Pakistan’s batting approach, Afridi observed that many players were trying to replicate his aggressive style. “It looks like everyone wants to bat like Shahid Afridi, but you can’t score 200 in every match,” he said, hinting at the need for a more balanced batting strategy.
The former captain also touched upon the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) leadership issues, stressing the need for a stable administration. “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 questioned.