Shahid Afridi Slams PCB Over Team Selection Post-Champions Trophy Disaster
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- March 12, 2025
- 10:59 am
- 204
- Sports
Former Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi slams PCB over team selection for the upcoming New Zealand tour, calling Pakistan cricket “in ICU.”
Shahid Afridi slams PCB for poor team selection and inconsistent decisions. He says Pakistan cricket is “in ICU” after their Champions Trophy failure. The former captain criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for questionable choices before the upcoming New Zealand tour.
Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy has raised serious concerns. Instead of learning from mistakes, PCB made controversial selections. Afridi, one of Pakistan’s greatest all-rounders, believes these decisions will weaken the team further.
Shahid Afridi Questions Shadab Khan’s Return
Afridi strongly opposed Shadab Khan’s selection as vice-captain for the T20I squad. He questioned why he was recalled, given his poor domestic performances.
“On what basis has he been recalled? What are his performances in domestic cricket or otherwise that he has been picked again?” Afridi asked during a media interaction.
The selectors also excluded Shaheen Shah Afridi from the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam were dropped from the T20I squad. This decision raised concerns about PCB’s inconsistent selection policies. Rizwan, who previously led the T20I team, has now been limited to ODIs. Salman Ali Agha has been named the new T20I captain.
Pakistan Cricket in ICU Due to Poor Decisions
Afridi criticized PCB’s frequent changes in leadership. He said constant captain, coach, and squad changes have weakened the team.
“All the time, we talk about preparations. Then, when an event comes and we flop, we talk about surgery. The fact is, Pakistan cricket is in ICU because of incorrect decisions,” he said.
He also questioned the accountability of PCB officials. He pointed out that while players and coaches face criticism, board officials remain unaffected despite poor decision-making.
Mohsin Naqvi Lacks Cricket Knowledge, Says Afridi
Afridi also criticized PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, saying he lacks cricketing experience. He suggested that Naqvi should focus on one job instead of handling multiple roles.
“Mohsin Naqvi is willing to work, but he has no prior experience in cricket. He needs to choose one position because managing three roles simultaneously is not feasible. The PCB chairmanship is a full-time job,” Afridi said at an event in Karachi.
The former captain urged Naqvi to involve experienced cricket professionals in decision-making. He also raised concerns over the International Cricket Council (ICC) not inviting the PCB chairman to the Champions Trophy 2025 closing ceremony. He called this a “big question.”
Afridi revealed that Naqvi himself admitted to having limited cricket knowledge. While praising his efforts to improve stadiums, he insisted that experts must be involved in cricket decisions.
“I met the chairman a few days ago in Lahore. He is taking good initiatives, especially in improving stadium infrastructure, but he acknowledged that he doesn’t know much about cricket. When that is the case, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals connected to the sport,” Afridi said.
Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, took charge as PCB chairman in early 2024. Since then, Pakistan has suffered early exits in both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, despite major investments in stadium renovations.
