No talent in Pakistan, I am still better than most: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan T20I captain says he is still better than the current crop of players

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi said on Wednesday that there is a dearth of talent in the country, which is why he wants to continue playing the game.

In an interview with BBC Urdu, Afridi said there is little talent in Pakistan that could excel at the international level. “We say there is big talent in Pakistan, but sorry, there is no talent,” he said. “There is no such level of talent which the cricket world demands right now.”

When further questioned who is to blame for Pakistan cricket’s current state of affairs, the former captain said he can only speak freely after retirement. “I am centrally contracted with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), so I can’t talk openly right now,” he said. “I might end up getting a notice tomorrow at my home, so I will speak after my retirement.”



The 36-year-old stepped down as T20I captain following Pakistan’s poor performances in the World T20 and Asia Cup earlier this year but said he is still available for selection in the shortest format of the game.

“I have played the game with respect throughout my career and will leave the game with respect,” he said. “I wanted to build a good T20I side and leave, but I felt that if these players can play, I am better than them, and I can continue as well.”



Afridi is currently representing Hampshire in the NatWest T20 Blast, England’s domestic T20 competition.

The all-rounder was not included in the boot camp ahead of Pakistan’s tour of England, with many pundits suggesting it was time for the all-rounder to call time on his two-decade-long career.

Shahid Afridi was quoted by OneIndia News