Ahmed Shehzad, a former Pakistani cricketer, has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management for their decision to drop star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the second Test against Bangladesh. He argues that while Shaheen’s recent performance has been underwhelming, dropping him alone is not the solution to the team’s woes and that all underperforming players should be held accountable.

Shaheen Afridi is not solely responsible for Pakistan’s slump

Shehzad contends that blaming Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan’s recent defeats against Zimbabwe, Ireland, USA, India, and Bangladesh is unfair and misguided. He emphasizes that the team’s struggles are a collective failure, not an individual player’s fault. While he acknowledges Shaheen’s dip in form, he suggests that the team management should address the poor performances of other players as well.

Shehzad highlights other underperforming players

Shehzad specifically points out the performances of openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, along with former captain Babar Azam, questioning their contribution to the team in the last 10+ Tests. He believes that dropping Shaheen Afridi without addressing the performances of these other players will not result in a significant turnaround for the team. He stresses the need for accountability for all players, not just Shaheen Afridi.

Shehzad urges PCB to take decisive action

Shehzad argues that the PCB’s focus should be on the overall health of Pakistan cricket, not just individual player performance. He believes that the team management needs to prioritize the country’s interest above everything else and take decisive action to address the team’s underperformance.

The need for drastic measures

Shehzad suggests that the PCB needs to take drastic measures, including dropping all underperforming players, to ensure the team’s future success. He advocates for a holistic approach where all responsible parties, including those with poor performances and those who manage the team, are held accountable.

The Importance of Team Culture and Accountability

Shehzad’s statements raise crucial questions about team culture, individual responsibility, and the decision-making process in Pakistani cricket. While Shaheen Afridi’s form has certainly been a concern, dropping him alone while overlooking the performance of others suggests a lack of consistent selection criteria and accountability within the team. This selective approach raises doubts about the fairness of the selection process and its effectiveness in addressing broader team performance issues.

Shehzad calls for change at the helm

The veteran cricketer implies that the PCB needs to implement a systemic overhaul rather than addressing individual player performances in isolation. He advocates for a more transparent and decisive approach that holds all parties responsible for Pakistan’s cricket’s success or failure. This includes the coaching staff, selection committee, and players alike.

Take away points

• Shehzad’s criticism highlights the need for accountability in Pakistani cricket.
• The team management needs to address the underperformance of all players, not just focus on individual players like Shaheen Afridi.
• A holistic approach to team improvement is necessary, including focusing on team culture and the overall management of the squad.
• The PCB should take decisive action to ensure the future of Pakistani cricket.
• Addressing the issues raised by Shehzad could be crucial for Pakistan’s success in international cricket.