Shahid Afridi slams PCB over ‘wrong’ decision

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has strongly criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over its recent decisions surrounding the national Test team, describing the move as “wrong and bad” and questioning the timing of changes made during the England series.

Speaking on the television programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Afridi said the PCB should have waited until the conclusion of the series before making major decisions.

“The decisions that had to be taken could have been taken after the series,” Afridi said, arguing that making changes in the middle of an important assignment could further destabilise the team.

According to the former all-rounder, Pakistan’s handling of the situation had also attracted negative attention internationally.

“The world is laughing at us; we have made a joke of ourselves,” he said, expressing disappointment over the way cricket affairs were being managed.

Afridi added that even if the decision had come from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the selection committee should have raised objections if it believed the move was inappropriate.

His criticism came after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Test series against England, with questions being raised over team selection, management and the overall direction of the red-ball setup.

Afridi was particularly surprised by the players sent for the third Test, saying the replacements were largely associated with T20 cricket.

“To make matters worse, the boys sent for the third Test are T20 players,” he said.

The former captain argued that Pakistan’s cricket administration lacked consistency and merit-based decision-making.

“There is neither continuity in our decisions nor are decisions made on merit,” Afridi said.

He also advised PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to give cricket matters greater personal attention instead of leaving key responsibilities to others.

Afridi further questioned the process through which former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was appointed head coach of the national Test side.

He said he was initially pleased when Sarfaraz joined the PCB because he expected the former captain to work at the Under-19 level and contribute to the development of young players.

However, Afridi said Sarfaraz was appointed Pakistan team head coach within only three months.

“I was very happy when Sarfaraz Ahmed came to the PCB because I thought he would work at the Under-19 level. Within three months, Sarfaraz Ahmed became Pakistan team head coach. What kind of process is this?” he questioned.

Afridi’s comments add to growing debate around Pakistan’s cricket structure following the England series. His remarks highlight concerns over timing, continuity, selection policies and coaching appointments, issues that have repeatedly dominated discussions about the national team.

With Pakistan’s Test setup facing another period of uncertainty, Afridi’s criticism is likely to intensify calls for the PCB to adopt a clearer, more consistent and transparent process for major cricketing decisions.