Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticized legendary pacer Wasim Akram’s suggestion to drop several players from the national team after their poor performance in the Champions Trophy. Akram called for a bold overhaul to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, emphasizing the need for younger, fearless players. In response, Afridi questioned whether there are suitable replacements for the current stars, pointing out the lack of talent in domestic cricket. He expressed concerns about the backlash that could follow such changes if results don’t improve, highlighting the ongoing issues within Pakistan cricket following their winless tournament.
Shahid Afridi, the former captain of Pakistan, has taken a jab at legendary bowler Wasim Akram after Akram proposed dropping several stars from the national team. Akram’s comments came in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Champions Trophy, having suffered defeats against New Zealand and India in Group A. Pakistan was unable to secure a win, as their final group match against Bangladesh was canceled due to rain in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
During an appearance on Ten Sports, Akram criticized Mohammad Rizwan and others, urging selectors to make bold decisions for the improvement of the team. He emphasized that Pakistan should begin preparations for the next major event, the 2026 T20 World Cup, without delay.
“We’ve had enough. For the past couple of years, we’ve been losing in white-ball cricket with these players. It’s time to take decisive action. What does that entail? As Waqar Younis mentioned, we should introduce young, fearless players into white-ball cricket. Whether it means making 5-6 significant changes, do it, even if it involves losing for the next six months to support those players. Start building the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup now,” Akram stated on Pakistan’s TV show, Dressing Room.
In response, Afridi, who debuted under Akram’s captaincy, has reacted to his former teammate’s comments. Afridi pointed out that while it’s easy to be swept away by emotions after a few poor performances, he questioned Akram on whether Pakistan has suitable replacements for the star players.
“I heard Wasim bhai recently. Yes, we all let our emotions get the best of us after the loss to India. He mentioned that 6-7 players need to be dropped from the team. Wasim bhai, I have just one question: do we have 6-7 players on the bench who can step in? Are there players of that caliber in our domestic cricket? Have we nurtured them in the academies?” Afridi remarked during a discussion on Samaa TV.
Afridi also pointed out that dropping prominent players could lead to backlash if the results do not improve.
“We might drop these players, but who will we replace them with? Even if we take that step, people will start complaining again. They’ll say the PCB is preparing for the World Cup. And once that happens, the overhaul will begin anew,” he added.
Pakistan’s failure to secure a single victory marked the first instance where the hosting nation of the Champions Trophy experienced a winless campaign since the tournament was rebranded in 2002.
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