Key points
- Questions Shaheen Afridi’s poor World Cup form
- Says performance must outweigh reputation
- Warns inconsistent form hurts team combination
ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has criticised the national selection panel for leaving out in-form pacer Salman Mirza while persisting with Shaheen Afridi, following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking to local media, Amir openly questioned the bowling selections and emphasised that current form should take precedence over reputation.
“I’ve been saying for a while, Salman Mirza, your in-form bowler, has been performing since the first match. In every series, whenever he got a chance, he delivered. Shaheen is not performing in this World Cup — he hasn’t been giving impactful performances for a long time,” Amir said.
While acknowledging Shaheen’s ability, Amir insisted that performances in major tournaments must define selection decisions.
Squad balance issues
“No disrespect — he’s a very good bowler with potential, but at the end of the day, performance matters. Take out all of Shaheen’s ICC events except the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he had an impact — besides that, show me a single ICC event where Shaheen performed impactfully, and I will admit it,” he added.
Amir also pointed to broader squad balance issues.
“When the performance of all your players goes up and down, you can’t create the right combination. And when the right combination isn’t formed, your team can never perform,” he said.
He questioned Faheem Ashraf’s role and called for stronger batting depth, adding that coaching staff and leadership must share responsibility for strategic decisions.
Salman Mirza, who claimed 3/24 against the Netherlands, has taken 22 wickets in 14 T20Is at an economy of 6.36. Pakistan now face Namibia in their final group match.
