Shahid Afridi, Yousuf criticise team management after Pakistan’s defeat

Former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Yousuf have expressed concerns over the national team’s performance following their recent defeat against New Zealand, highlighting poor decision-making by the team management and selection committee.

Speaking after the match, Yousuf said that he and Afridi had initially thought Pakistan would need to chase a target of around 270, but the team was bowled out for 260, ultimately losing with the dismissal of the sixth player. He criticised the decision to field first after winning the toss, calling it a major mistake.

“We came out with a spinner, while New Zealand had three. The team management needs to be more vigilant in selection matters,” he remarked. He also emphasised that contract durations should be fixed for six months to a year, preventing abrupt dismissals with each change in the PCB leadership.

Afridi, on the other hand, questioned the bowling strategy, suggesting that the spinners should have been given a full quota of overs instead of relying excessively on fast bowlers. He also pointed out that decisions within the cricket board keep changing frequently, which affects the team’s stability.

“Aqib Javed is still the interim coach. Cricket is our pride, and Pakistan is recognised globally for it. But we must take it seriously,” Afridi asserted.

Both former players stressed the need for a long-term strategy to nurture talent, warning that Pakistan’s cricketing future could face the same fate as squash.

“We had a legend like Jahangir Khan, but what have we done for him? Former cricketers are like universities – they should not be wasted,” Afridi added.