Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has reacted over the Green Shirts’ disappointing loss against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi stated that he will reveal the inside story of the current team and the people who have “spoiled the unit”. Pakistan’s selection process has been questioned by many former cricketers, including former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, Kamran Akmal and many more.
During an interview on a local TV channel, Afridi was joined by young pacer Mohammad Wasim. The former captain was asked about the unity lacking in the national team. But Afridi decided not to say anything and stated that he would openly speak after the ongoing T20 World Cup concludes.
Fakhar Zaman should open the innings in T20 cricket states Shahid Afridi
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi believes the team needs to make some changes as they battle to stay alive in the T20 World Cup 2024. The former all-rounder reckons Babar Azam should drop down to No.3 and Fakhar Zaman should open the innings.
Pakistan’s campaign is currently on life support after losing two consecutive matches in the showpiece event. The 2009 World T20 champions must beat Canada and Ireland comprehensively and hope USA lose their remaining two matches of the tournament.
Speaking to ICC, Shahid Afridi suggested that Usman Khan and Shadab Khan should face the axe and Pakistan must believe they can still sneak into the Super 8s.
“I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.
Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three. There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.”
“There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.”
Pakistan self-destructed in the chase of 120 against India on Sunday to suffer back-to-back defeat after the bowlers set the game nicely for them by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Co. for a below par 119. Babar Azam and Co. had a good chance to win the game against India with only 120 to chase. The Men in Green were on top for a large part of the chase, but failed to close out the game and lost by six runs.
Pakistan lacks nerves of steels states Shahid Afridi
Shahid Afridi added that India had the right attitude, self-belief, and consistency – all of which Pakistan lacked. He said:
“The key difference between the two teams was India’s consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field. The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting. For several reasons, this game wasn’t about playing aggressively.
But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked. On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through.”
“India have now won seven of their eight matches against Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Pakistan fans are highly disappointed,” said Afridi referring to India’s dominant record against the arch-rivals in world events.
In Shahid Afridi’s opinion, Pakistan simply could not handle the pressure of a game as big as the one on Sunday.
“On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through.
“India stayed positive and calm until the last ball and the pressure of the run chase was not handled well by Babar Azam’s side,” he added.
Pakistan will face Canada on Tuesday, June 11, in New York. Their final group stage game will be against Ireland on Sunday, June 16.