ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the national selection committee following Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and the subsequent 2-1 ODI series loss to Bangladesh.
In a video message shared on social media, Afridi questioned the selectors’ decisions regarding leadership choices and the overall direction of the national team.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2026
Referring to Pakistan’s recent results, Afridi said the selection committee should be held accountable for the team’s struggles. He expressed concern that despite their experience in international cricket, the selectors appeared uncertain about which players should lead the team in different formats.
The former all-rounder also criticised what he described as excessive experimentation with the squad in the name of rebuilding the team. According to Afridi, inexperienced players with limited domestic and first-class cricket exposure were being pushed into international cricket prematurely.
Domestic cricket
He argued that the quality of domestic cricket was not yet strong enough to consistently produce players capable of immediately succeeding at the international level.
Afridi also raised concerns about the treatment of senior players, suggesting that experienced cricketers with strong ODI records had been sidelined during the restructuring process, even though their performances in the format remained solid.
He further said that frequent changes to the squad and handing out national caps without a clear long-term plan were damaging the team’s stability.
Afridi’s remarks came after Pakistan suffered a 2-1 ODI series defeat to Bangladesh. The hosts sealed the series with an 11-run victory in the third and final match in Mirpur.
Bangladesh posted 290-5 after opting to bat first, powered by Tanzid Hasan’s maiden ODI century. Pakistan responded with 279 despite Salman Ali Agha’s fighting hundred, falling just short of the target.
