Clear difference in Pak, India mindset: Afridi

Former captain and dashing allrounder Shahid Afridi said on Monday that mindset was the difference between India and Pakistan during the crucial clash in the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Sunday.

He warned that if work is not done on the mindset of the Pakistani players, it will further afflict the country's cricket ecosystem.

Afridi speaking to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net) said: "Both the teams had a big gulf in their approach and execution. While India's mindset was brave and strong, Pakistan's was not strong and that played a key role when you come into a big match like this. Afridi, known for aggressive batting, said: "In 2025 Pakistan is playing 1980-1990s cricket which is ridiculous. We have to improve in all three departments of the game if we have to top the rankings or compete at the top level with teams like Australia, India, South Africa etc."

Afridi also blamed poor team selection for the Champions Trophy, leaving out a regular opener and going with just one spinner. "The selection for an important global event is also very important and it should have been better and done before time."

Pakistan going with just the regular opener in Fakhar Zaman and not selecting Imam-ul-Haq was criticised while the selection of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah was criticized as "political."

Afridi speaking on the lack of spin options, said: "You know fast bowlers struggle in these conditions especially when the subcontinent needs spinners. Spinners have a bigger role so there should have been another genuine spinner. Then we did not know who would open. These should have been done well before the event.

Afridi warned if bold decisions were not taken, Pakistan cricket would further go down.

"I think the management has to do serious thinking and take bold decisions," said Afridi. "We need to lift the standard of our domestic cricket so that we can produce good players. We have to work on the mindset to produce strong characters. Weak mindset and lack of courage will not work at the top level in these modern times," he concluded.