WATCH: Shahid Afridi blasts squad selection for New Zealand tour

Shahid Afridi questions Pakistan's T20I squad selection, workload management, and PCB leadership.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi voiced his concerns over the national team’s selection for the ongoing five-match T20I series, questioning the squad’s composition and strategic approach.

Speaking at an event, Afridi criticised the selection committee for including inexperienced first-class players and choosing pacers for conditions favouring spinners.

“They sent first-class players with just 10-11 matches experience. Where spinners were needed, they picked pacers or extra spinners,” Afridi said.

He also questioned batting coach Mohammad Yousuf’s role in teaching players how to play off-spin, stating such skills should not be taught at the national level.

“This isn’t something that should be taught at the Pakistan team level,” he added.

Afridi emphasised the importance of workload management, particularly for key players like Babar Azam, and called for structured player rotation.

“Players need to be given breaks, whether it’s Babar Azam or anyone else,” he said.

He further expressed disappointment over the lack of opportunities for Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan, stating that they had been sidelined for too long.

“Usman Khan and Mohammad Hasnain are not being given opportunities. They have been warming the bench for a long time,” he remarked.

Afridi also criticised the national team’s batting approach, suggesting players were attempting to emulate his aggressive style.

“Everyone seems to be trying to play like Shahid Afridi. You can’t score 200 in every match,” he said.

The former all-rounder also called for stability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), advocating for a permanent chairman.

He acknowledged that Babar had been given sufficient chances as captain but questioned why Mohammad Rizwan had a shorter tenure.

“The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why Mohammad Rizwan was only given six months in the role,” Afridi said.