Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its recent decisions following the team’s disappointing performance on the tour of England.
Speaking on Geo News’ Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Afridi said the PCB had made a “wrong and bad decision,” arguing that such changes should have been made after the conclusion of the series.
“The world is laughing at us. We have made a joke of ourselves,” Afridi said.
He added that even if the decision came from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the selection committee should have opposed it.
Afridi also questioned the players sent for the third Test, saying the situation was made worse by selecting players who are primarily suited to T20 cricket.
According to the former captain, the bigger problem within Pakistan cricket is the lack of consistency and merit in decision-making.
“There is neither consistency in our decisions nor are decisions made on merit,” he said.
Afridi also advised Mohsin Naqvi to focus more closely on cricket instead of leaving key responsibilities to others.
He further raised questions over the process that led to Sarfaraz Ahmed becoming head coach of the Pakistan team.
Afridi said he was pleased when Sarfaraz joined the PCB because he expected the former captain to work at the Under-19 level. However, he questioned how Sarfaraz became the national team’s head coach within just three months.
“What kind of process is this under which Sarfaraz Ahmed was made head coach within three months?” Afridi asked.
Afridi’s criticism comes after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests against England, giving the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Following the second Test, the PCB made sweeping changes to the squad ahead of the third and final match. Seven players were released from the squad and replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
The board also removed Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul from their roles, with the white-ball coaching staff taking over Test team responsibilities.
The changes also sparked controversy within the selection setup, with former captain Misbah-ul-Haq reportedly resigning from the selection committee after he was not consulted over the replacement players sent to England.
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