Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi criticized the team’s poor performance in the T20 World Cup, held in the USA and West Indies.
He emphasized leadership, particularly critiquing captain Babar Azam’s impact on the team. Afridi compared Babar with India’s Rohit Sharma, highlighting the latter’s leadership in winning the T20 World Cup.
“The leader sets the team’s tone. Look at Rohit Sharma—his confidence trickles down to the team,” Afridi remarked.
Afridi expressed support for Pakistan cricket and called for foundational reforms.
“I’m here for grassroots reform, not team-level tweaks,” he said.
Addressing the team’s flaws, Afridi noted, “If the performance were better, we wouldn’t be discussing changes.”
He stressed the need for substantive changes, starting from the grassroots, to improve cricket in Pakistan.
“Talent exists but requires early grooming and better coaching,” Afridi added.
He also advocated for PCB governance reforms, proposing a separation of powers within the board.
“The board needs autonomy, distinct from government influence,” Afridi concluded.
