Babar Azam Given Long Rope by PCB as Captain, But Not Mohammed Rizwan - Ex-Pakistan Cricketer Shahid Afridi Questions PCB

New Zealand vs Pakistan: After the shambolic loss in the Champions Trophy , the trend has continued as the Pakistan cricket team now lost two consecutive T20Is against New Zealand. Now, it seems like Pakistan cricket has hit rock bottom and there seems no light at the end of the tunnel. 

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Amid their batting collapse in the opening T20I against NZ, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi blamed the selectors. He asked if Babar Azam was given a long rope as a captain, then what about Mohammed Rizwan - why didn't he receive the same treatment. He pointed out the instability that exists in the PCB. 

‘Board needs a permanent chairman’

“The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why was Mohammad Rizwan only given six months in the role?” he asked, underlining the lack of a clear direction," he said. 

He also slammed the coach of the national cricket team. Afridi doubted if the process set by the board was right or not. 

“At the Pakistan team level, players shouldn’t need to be taught how to play off-spin. These are basic skills that should already be mastered,” he added.

He also reckoned that talent in Pakistan was being wasted and that is never good for the growth of the game. He went on to bat for the inclusion of Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Khan in the playing XI. 

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‘What’s the point of keeping them in the squad’

“These players have been warming the bench for a long time, yet they are not being given chances. What’s the point of keeping them in the squad if they aren’t going to play?” he questioned, arguing that wasted talent and poor squad rotation were major concerns for Pakistan cricket," he concluded. 

The third T20I takes place on March 21 and Pakistan would look to make a strong comeback.