Shahid Afridi believes critics should back the cricket team more during tough times. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s poor performance against South Africa in the UAE drew flak from most of the experts of the game, and now it seems that the national team players are all set to even things out.
The players returned home in groups on Monday after a successful tour of South Africa, where they levelled the Twenty20 series 1-1 before claiming their first ODI series [2-1] win against the Proteas.
Before this tour, Pakistan were beaten by the same opponents in both the ODI series [4-1] and T20 series [2-0] in the UAE.
Former cricketers featuring in various television shows and interviews questioned team tactics, motivation and application of the players, especially the senior players.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi, who endured a lean run with the bat in both UAE and South Africa, minced no words in slamming the critics while speaking to media in Karachi.
“I know there were Heckle and Jeckle and Mr Bean sitting in the media,” said the all-rounder.
“They were posing as if the team never lost in their time. I think it’s not the team of just 16 players, it’s also their team. They should back players in tough times instead of demoralising them.”
The former captain also rejected talks of grouping in the team.
“Why do people speak of grouping only when the team loses? The media should also play a positive role. Why do es media invite people who were engaged in indiscipline and groupings throughout their career?”
He praised the role of team manager Moin Khan and bowling coach Mohammad Akram, saying the duo helped lift the team’s morale in difficult times.
Meanwhile, Afridi said he was concerned about his batting, which he felt was vital for the team. He also termed the entry of Sohaib Maqsood, Bilawal Bhatti and Anwar Ali to international cricket as a positive.
Misbah concurs with Afridi
Meanwhile, ODI and Test captain Misbahul Haq was not as upfront in his statements, yet asked the critics to back the team in tough times.
“People were calling for a complete overhaul after we lost in the UAE,” he said. “But the same team defeated South Africa at their home, which we had never done before.
“Anything can happen in cricket, and it’s not fair to hit teams on the basis of one or two performances.”
The unprecedented series win in South Africa was termed a much-needed one by Misbah, who wants the team to gain consistency.
“But we lack consistency in batting and a lot of work needs to be done. A batting coach can be useful for bringing improvement.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2013.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS (19)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1732441504-0/Copy-of-Untitled-(6)1732441504-0-270x192.webp "pak vs zim why pakistan zimbabwe players are wearing orange caps")
1732440898-0/Express-Tribune-(2)1732440898-0-270x192.webp "spinners shine as pakistan restrict zimbabwe to 205 runs in first odi")
1732437528-0/Untitled-design-(18)1732437528-0-270x192.webp "shah rukh khan s first ipl choice wasn t kolkata knight riders")
well said Afridi - all three of these guys can't hold a candle to you. both Shaoib and Yousaf were kicked out the team for ever - LOL
Afridi is match winner, while as Akhter had always fitness issues throughout his career. He posess leadership qualties moreover gives his best on field. He bowls his heart out. Pakistan needs him till WC-2015.
How can a "mediocre player" like Afridi has dozen of world records to his name.How had he single handedly won so many matches for Pakistan ( 30+ man of the match). still I seriously doubt him a star..
only a "mediocre player" like Afridi can have a dozen of world records to his name.There are many times when he had single handedly won matches for Pakistan,(30 + man of the match awards) and many more.If still someone doubt afridi as a star, he need to know about cricket.
Afrdi has been great servant to Pakistan for many years probably as much popular with Pakistan as were Imran Khan & Javed Miahdad but he should let his Bat& ball do the talking he is very committed person and does a lot of Charity works but sometime its best to be silent
I think Afridi is not a batsmen and he has proven this infinite number of times. Had there been same number of chances given to any bowler in batting, he would have been developed completely as a proper batsmen. On the other hand while his bowling is concerned, it can not be termed as world class. Hence, we have to stick with the hypothesis that Afridi is a mediocre player and is surviving in the team because of (a) hello effect of his personality and (b) millions of Afridi supporters who don't understand the game (c) 37 ball hundred that he made by mistake
No other test playing nation would have allowed a player of Afridi caliber to appear in 350+ ODI .. the guy was just a fluke right from the time he started his career ... with no real batting technique (he is just gonna swing his bat and hopes the ball to come and touch it) and honestly no real leg-spinning technique (all he can do is to ball some quick ones and hope that batsman loses his concentration) ... i mean look at his batting and bowling averages ... I just fail to understand y the selection committee picks him up every time despite his very mediocre first class career,
It is quite right that Afridi is not batting well these days. But Afridi and Hafeez are the players who contribute well with the ball and their electric fielding even when they are not batting well. The critics on TV shows mainly Muhammad Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar should consider their pasts too. They both are my personal favorites but truth is truth. Muhammad Yousuf, despite one of the best and most stylish batsmen Pakistan has ever produced, was a pathetic and poor fielder and never contributed with the ball. He was always into making big runs but never won a match for Pakistan. I remember many matches when he was batting well but lost his wicket at wrong times. On the other hand, we also remember that Shoaib Akhtar himself was worst-of-all fielders in the team who always becomes unfit when conditions not suiting him or Pakistan need him to perform.
I think we are mixing two things here, I support Afridi in hitting back at critics, on his batting performance. But hello since when Afridi was considered a batsmen, he came as a bowler who could bat a bit. He is has been 'our golden' arm bowler for some time, now, how many times he has taken wicket in his First over? Go on lala... these people will never be happy
Afridi has been my hero, someone special, someone extraordinary. For me, its difficult to imagine Pak squad without Afridi. He delivers rarely with bat but when he does, he lights up the skies makes my day. Bowling wise he's consistently delivering ... Lala forever :)
Afridi can only bash media and ex-cricketers unlike bowlers. He has to lift-up his game instead of playing on popularity and looks. He must come out of his celebrity trauma as soon as possible.
every1 is forgeting about his good bowling performance. he always make contribution but his critics could never see it. he has been being sent at number 7 or 8 for batting so what you can expect from batsman of that number? nothing but just a surprise and quick 30 and 40..............
Weird enough, I actually agree with Afridi! But I also think that if he's not a batsman, he should never come in the upper order anyways and should only be selected as a bowler. I was reading the commentary in the last match and everyone kept on saying how much they missed Afridi and Hafeez and that they could have been brilliant bowling on these conditions. I kept on thinking the Pakistan nation can never be satisfied. LOL
"Meanwhile, Afridi said he was concerned about his batting...." Finally! LOL! We have have been concerned about your batting every time you have walked on the field.
How about bashing the bowlers for a change.
This man spends more time on media than on crease. Action speaks louder than words Mr. Afridi. Instead of complaining you should thank two youngsters who save your career one more time.
Apparently thats the only thing he can bash now. He certainly cannot bash bowlers anymore.
Afridi loves to hear himself talking and talking non sense. He has to keep quiet and let his bat and game do the talking. Why only a few players are always looking for media while bashing them at the same time!