Shahid Afridi. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has delivered a scathing critique of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying the national cricket setup is in the “ICU” due to a string of poor and inconsistent decisions.
His remarks came in the wake of all-rounder Shadab Khan’s surprise recall to the T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Afridi, never one to mince words, questioned the selection process and the rationale behind Shadab’s comeback — especially given his lack of recent standout performances.
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“On what basis has he been recalled? What are his performances in domestic cricket or otherwise that he has been picked again?” Afridi asked during a media interaction.
The former all-rounder criticised the reactive approach of the board, pointing to a lack of long-term planning and accountability, adding, “All the time we talk about preparations, and when an event comes and we flop, then we talk about surgery. The fact is Pakistan cricket is in ICU because of incorrect decisions.”
Afridi stressed that the absence of continuity and vision is hurting the game. He lamented that every new PCB chairman makes sweeping changes, further destabilising the system.
“There is no continuity or consistency in the Board’s decisions and policies. We keep changing captains, coaches, or some players, but in the end, what is the accountability for board officials?” he lamented.
He also criticised the blame culture prevalent in the setup, saying it’s damaging the morale of players and staff alike.
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“It is sad to see coaches blaming players to save their jobs and the management blaming players and coaches to save their seats,” he further noted.
While Afridi acknowledged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s good intentions, he questioned his multitasking, saying, “He wants to do well for Pakistan, but in the end he depends on advice, and I told him he can’t continue doing three jobs at a time. He needs to focus on one job because being PCB Chairman is a full-time job.”