Shahid Afridi blames PCB’s instability for team's poor performance

Former captain calls for a consistent three-year plan for better results

Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has sharply criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), attributing the team's poor performance to frequent changes in leadership and structure.

In an interview with a local news channel, Afridi emphasised that the administration needs to allow at least three years for any system to take effect and deliver results.

“When you change or bring in any new structure, you must give the system time. Every year, a new chairman comes, and a new system is introduced. Things don’t work this way,” Afridi said.

“All the senior board members and senior players should sit together at one table and make a plan. Then, let that plan be executed for three years. Let the results come. If you keep changing the system every year, what results can you expect?” he added.

Pakistan experienced disappointing defeats against the United States and India in their first two matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, leading to an early exit from the group stage.

This marked the first time in T20 World Cup history that Pakistan failed to progress beyond the first round.

Many fans and former cricket stars have blamed captain Babar Azam for the team's poor performance, calling for his resignation.

In response to Pakistan's early exit, the PCB has made several changes to the backroom staff, including sacking selectors Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq.

The board is also considering significant decisions regarding Babar Azam's future as captain.

The PCB has seen a rapid turnover in leadership recently.

Ramiz Raja served as chairman in 2022 before being replaced by Najam Sethi later that year.

In mid-2023, Zaka Ashraf took over from Sethi, only to be replaced by Mohsin Naqvi in February 2024. After just one series, Naqvi dismissed Shaheen Afridi as T20I captain, reinstating Babar Azam in the leadership role.