Ex-Pakistan Captain Criticizes Shaheen Afridi; Demands Pacer’s Removal From Champions Trophy
Published - 12 Feb 2025, 02:35 PM | Updated - 20 Feb 2025, 11:50 PM
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The former Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper batter, Rashid Latif, has called the selectors for the left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s removal in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The pacer had a terrible time in the tri-series opener against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The Green Brigade aims to defend the ICC trophy that they earned, beating India in the final at the Kennington Oval in South London. They are in incredible touch with three successive ODI series victories against Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s recent ODI performances
Shaheen Afridi’s overall ODI record of 122 wickets in 59 innings at an average of 23.29 and a strike rate of 25.1 with an economy rate of 5.56, thanks to three five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls is inspiring.
Also Read: Haris Rauf’s Injury To Keep Him Out ICC Champions Trophy 2025? PCB Gives Update
The left-arm pacer was the leading wicket-taker of the three-match ODI series down under last year with eight scalps in three innings at an average of 12.62 and a strike rate of 20.12, besides an economy rate of 3.76 with the best figure of 3/26.
After a break during the Zimbabwe series, Afridi returns for three ODIs against South Africa. The Khyber Agency-born finished the series as the highest wicket-taker with seven scalps in three innings at an average of 23.28 and a strike rate of 21.42, shouldering on one four-wicket haul.
Even during the opening clash of the tri-series against New Zealand, Shaheen found the outside edge of Will Young early in the game but struggled badly during the death overs. He ended with 3/88 in his 10 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A few questioned his place in the 50-over side.
Ex-Pakistan Wicket-keeper concerned with Shaheen Afridi’s form
The media report has claimed that Latif raised concerns over the senior bowler’s performance. He expressed doubts about Naseem Shah, stating that despite being on the national side for a long time, the right-arm pacer hasn’t contributed significantly to Pakistan’s success.
“When was the last time Afridi delivered a match-winning performance? No one is talking about these players' lackluster performances.” Rashid added.
He pointed out that young players like Khusdil Shah and Salman Ali Agha are often criticized, while a few senior players like Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan rarely face scrutiny for their performances.
“Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir will perform when the main players step up.” The former wicket-keeper of Pakistan addressed.
The ex-captain also highlighted the impact of Haris Rauf’s injury on the team’s performance. He urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take a fresh approach by seeking new fast bowlers and ensuring that senior players are held responsible for the side’s underwhelming performances.
Pakistan demands stability in the batting department
With the injury of Saim Ayub, Babr Azam opened the batting with Fakhar Zaman against New Zealand. The latter smashed 84 runs in 69 balls at a strike rate of 121.74 during their chase of 331 runs. But Babar worked hard for his ten runs in 23 balls.
None of Kamran Ghulam or Rizwan contributed with the bat. Salman Agha smashed 40 runs in 51 balls, thanks to two boundaries and six, but failed to convert it to a big score. Tayyab Tahir drilled 30 runs in 29 balls, but nothing was enough in the chase.
Pakistan fell short by 78 runs in the second innings and faces South Africa in a do-or-die clash in the third game at the National Stadium in Karachi.
