Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has once again voiced his concerns over the state of Pakistan cricket, criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its lack of merit-based decision-making. Speaking at an event organized by the Shahid Afridi Foundation at a private hotel, the cricket legend highlighted the systemic flaws that continue to hinder the country’s cricketing progress.
Decision-Making on Merit: A Persistent Issue
Afridi lamented that Pakistan cricket has long suffered due to decisions not being made on merit. According to him, there is no structured mechanism for bringing back players who have been sidelined. He pointed out that cricketers removed from the T20 setup are often reintroduced into the team without any clear selection criteria.
Problems arise when decisions are not made on merit. There is no mechanism for the return of players. Those who were removed from T20 will return to T20 cricket in the future, Afridi said.
Criticism of PCB’s Leadership
Afridi did not hold back when discussing the PCB’s leadership and decision-making structure. He argued that every PCB chairman comes in with the notion that they will fix everything, yet the underlying system remains unchanged. He compared Pakistan cricket to a patient in critical condition, stating that preparing for a major event and then discussing structural reforms is not a sustainable approach.
Every PCB chairman thinks that he will fix everything. Why doesn’t the system change with the face? It seems that cricket is still in the ICU—preparing for a big event and then talking about surgery.
Coaches Shifting Blame Instead of Taking Responsibility
Afridi also took aim at the coaching staff, accusing them of deflecting responsibility onto the players rather than being accountable for the team’s failures. He noted that while coaches readily take credit for victories, they are reluctant to accept responsibility for defeats.
Coaches accuse players to protect themselves. They take credit for wins but do not take responsibility for losses.
T20 and ODI Captaincy Decisions Under Scrutiny
The former all-rounder also shared his perspective on Pakistan’s captaincy choices, particularly in the limited-overs formats. He supported Salman Agha’s selection as ODI captain for the upcoming series against New Zealand but was critical of his appointment as T20 captain, stating that Mohammad Rizwan should have retained the role.
Salman Agha is right to be the ODI captain in the series against New Zealand. However, his selection as T20 captain is not right. Mohammad Rizwan should have remained the T20 captain.
Mohsin Naqvi’s Role: A Positive Yet Challenging Endeavor
Afridi acknowledged that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is keen on bringing positive changes to Pakistan cricket. However, he expressed concerns over Naqvi’s lack of cricketing experience and his multiple roles within the board. Afridi suggested that Naqvi should focus on one key position instead of juggling multiple responsibilities.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi wants to work, and he is a positive man. But he does not have cricket experience. Mohsin Naqvi cannot work in three positions at the same time—he should choose one position.
The Way Forward for Pakistan Cricket
Afridi’s remarks highlight the ongoing struggles within Pakistan cricket, from inconsistent team selections to leadership challenges within the PCB. His critique underscores the need for a structured, merit-based system that ensures fair selection policies and strong leadership.
As Pakistan prepares for upcoming international assignments, cricket enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if the PCB can address these issues and bring stability to the national team. The ball is now in the board’s court to implement long-term reforms rather than resorting to short-term fixes.
