Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has raised serious questions and concerns over the treatment given to Shaheen Afridi. Shehzad expressed displeasure with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) scapegoating the left-arm pacer, who has often been criticized for the team’s failures.
In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Ahmed Shehzad pointed out a worrying trend, where Afridi is often blamed for various problems within the Pakistan cricket team and dropped from the team citing nonsensical reasons such as injuries and workload management by the PCB.
Ahmed Shehzad slams PCB for blaming Shaheen Afridi for everything amid Pakistan struggles
He hinted at a pattern where excuses are being made to justify Shaheen Afridi’s possible exclusion from the team and said this tactic diminishes the contributions and mental toughness of the star fast bowler. Shehzad also predicted that Shaheen will not get regular opportunities in the upcoming Pakistan cricket team.
Ahmed Shehzad said on his YouTube channel: “As always, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to make Shaheen Shah Afridi the scapegoat this time. Briefings have been held and you will see Shaheen in and out of the team in the coming times. The reason given will be that he has bowled more, bowled a lot of overs, is facing workload issues, has injuries and family reasons. “All of these justifications are presented when a player is removed from the team.”
The former opener also shared his opinion on the recent comments made by Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie about the aging Sarfaraz Ahmed. The new head coach asked for young blood to replace Sarfaraz as the team’s goalkeeper.
Well, Ahmed Shehzad acknowledged Sarfaraz’s crucial role and his contribution to the national team but agreed that it is time to explore new talents, stressing that the PCB must ensure a solid backup plan, especially for senior players.
Jason Gillespie raises a crucial point: Ahmed Shehzad
Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad added: “Jason Gillespie said ‘Sarfaraz is no longer getting younger; “We need to continue finding young people.” He also mentioned that there cannot be too many changes in the Pakistan team because they have only lost one series so far and potential players cannot be ruled out after just one series.”
Ahmed Shehzad further noted, “Sarfaraz Ahmed has made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket but he must now consider the direction of his career, especially as he is not getting any younger. Jason Gillespie raises a crucial point, but is there any capable replacement in the pipeline for him?
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old was unhappy with Gillespie’s decision to retain the same squad for the upcoming Test series against England, especially in light of the recent cover-up at the hands of Bangladesh. He also highlighted the lack of unity within the Pakistan team.
He noted that the Pakistan team has only lost one Test series since Gillespie’s arrival, but previous struggles were worse. Ahmed Shehzad emphasized that every coach faces challenges when he first takes charge and that players should not be excluded from the team due to early defeats.
Additionally, Ahmed Shehzad cited how Ricky Ponting handled discipline within his team as a role model. However, he warned against allowing players to manipulate the PCB, especially given the influence of strong players and agents. He concluded by urging that serious decisions be made now to avoid future complaints about the system.