Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is not satisfied with Pakistan’s team selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from 17th October to 14th November.
In a recent interview, Afridi said – “I don’t know why certain players were picked and a few were left out. I have heard that there are plans to announce a modified T20 World Cup squad. My individual thinking is that this is not the right team. Ideally, there should have been two to three changes. So yeah, don’t agree with the squad chosen but this is our team so we have to support it at the World Cup,”
All the nations have time until 10th October to confirm their lineups, which may result in certain additions and omissions from the Pakistan team, which is lacking crucial players like Fakhar Zaman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Shoaib Malik from the 15-man lineup.
I think the same coaches should have stayed till the T20 World Cup: Shahid Afridi
When asked about Pakistan’s choice to hire former Australia opener Matthew Hayden and former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander as mentors for the mega event, Afridi claimed it was a move that should have been taken after the competition.
He has further said – “Don’t think the new coaching staff (Hayden and Philander) will be able to make much of a difference at the T20 World Cup. This decision to hire new coaches should ideally have been taken after the World Cup.”
He has concluded by saying – “Previous coaches have quit on their own will. The new ones who have come in – will obviously say we have just taken over. I think the same coaches should have stayed till the T20 World Cup.”
Furthermore, Pakistan’s head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, and bowling coach, Waqar Younis, both quit on the same day when the Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the 15-man T20 World Cup team. Pakistan kicks off their season versus archrival India on 24th October 2021.
