Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing criticism of the national team’s selection policies, questioning why domestic players are being neglected in favor of inexperienced youngsters with little first-class credentials.
During a recent interview with a local news channel, Afridi took particular issue with the word “surgery” often used to justify wholesale changes in the national side and expressed deep concern over what he described as the wrong approach to building the team.
He suggested that instead of a proper overhaul based on consistent domestic performances, only a few relatively inexperienced youngsters are being drafted into the squad without clear merit, which, according to him, does not truly address the fundamental issues in squad selection.
“I was jotting down a few names with you and wondering where these players have gone. When we talk about ‘surgery’ in the team, what usually happens is that two or three new youngsters suddenly appear in the side. These are players who have only played a season or eight to ten matches. It would be good if they were brought in based on performance, but even that doesn’t seem to be the case here.
Shahid also shared a list of domestic players who he believes are deserving of national selection, stressing that priority should be given to players who are active in domestic cricket.
“If I were to share the list, the new youngsters I would mention – who I called ‘Suzai’ – would be Shahzaib Khan, who is currently the highest run-scorer with an average of 80. He is followed by Imam-ul-Haq, Shamil Hussain, Taimur Khan and Mas Sadaq. Among them, Shahzaib is the chosen name. Runs first,” he said.
Talking about Pakistan’s selection policies and handling of budding cricketers, the former all-rounder questioned the team management’s approach of moving quickly towards new youngsters, who, despite performing well in domestic cricket and representing Pakistan at various levels, have disappeared from the national set-up.
“Tell me one thing – you have brought in these youngsters based on a few first-class matches, but what happened to those players who were supposed to be our future? The ones we are nurturing? They came through domestic cricket programs and even played for Pakistan,” he said.
The former all-rounder listed several players who were once considered the top prospects of Pakistan cricket. He further questioned how many players who were considered long-term prospects are no longer part of the conversation.
“When their form drops, they go back to domestic cricket, play again and suddenly disappear. Ask these names: Where is Imam-ul-Haq? Abdullah Shafiq, who once looked like the future of Pakistan, where has he gone? Kamran Ghulam – someone said Pakistan had found its AB de Villiers,” he said.
“Saud Shakeel was also considered part of Pakistan’s future. Then Hasan Nawaz, Dayab Tahir, Subian Mukeem, Mohammad Hasnain, Khushdil Shah, Amir Jamal and Shahnawaz Dahani. Where have all these players gone?” He questioned.
He expressed concern at how quickly new players are being labeled as Pakistan’s future despite their limited domestic experience.
“Have they expired? Have they retired? All of a sudden these new youngsters who have only played eight or ten first-class matches are being labeled as the future of Pakistan,” he said.
“Now tell me what these other players should do. Imam and others have played for Pakistan for so long – where should they go and play? Should they sit in the PCB office and perform there? Where should they go to start watching again?” He finished.