Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam (Agency Photos) NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has strongly criticized the Pakistan cricket selectors after the national team lost the ODI series 2-1 to the Bangladesh national cricket team. The defeat came shortly after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, increasing pressure on the team management and decision-makers.Bangladesh sealed the series with an 11-run victory in the deciding match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
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Afridi publicly blames the Pakistan selection committee
After the defeat, Afridi publicly blamed the selection committee for the team’s struggles. In a video shared on social media, he questioned their decisions and leadership.
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“You saw the performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup and then we also lost the Bangladesh series 2-1. In my opinion, the selection committee deserves criticism. You all in the committee have played so much cricket but you still seem to have no idea who should captain which format,” Afridi said.He also criticized what he called excessive experimentation with young players. “You keep making too many decisions in the name of ‘surgery’. What you are doing is picking youngsters and players who have barely played a few first-class matches. Your domestic cricket is not even at the level to consistently produce players ready to secure a place in the Pakistan team,” he added.Afridi further claimed that experienced players with good ODI records were unfairly sidelined. While he did not mention any names, it is somewhat clear that he was referring to players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman who were dropped from Pakistan’s squad for the Bangladesh series. “Senior players who actually deserved their place despite not having strong T20 performances have done very well in ODIs. But in the name of ‘surgery’ you have sidelined these veteran players despite their solid ODI performances,” he said.He concluded by stating that the selectors’ strategy lacks direction and could destabilize the team. “Instead you have brought in youngsters who have played only a few domestic and first-class matches. The level of domestic cricket is not high enough and these players are not ready to come straight into the Pakistan team and cement their place. You keep giving away Pakistan caps again and again, this is not an operation. If anything, the real operation should be done on the selection committee,” he said.
Bangladesh beat Pakistan to win the three-match series 2-1
Bangladesh bat first, a solid total of 290 for 5 in 50 overs. The innings started strongly with an opening stand between Saif Hassan and Tanzid Hasan. While Saif scored 36 runs, Tanzid gave an outstanding performance with his maiden ODI century, scoring 107 runs with six fours and seven sixes. Later contributions from Litton Das (41) and Towhid Hridoy’s unbeaten 48 helped Bangladesh reach a competitive total.Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as both the openers were dismissed in the first two overs, leaving the team 2 for 2. Despite the early setback, Salman Ali Agha fought back with an impressive century, scoring 106 off 98 balls to keep Pakistan in the contest. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi added 37 runs while debutants Saad Masood (38) and Ghazi Ghori (29) showed some promise. Abdul Samad also chipped in with 34, but Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 279 and fell short of the target.Bangladesh’s bowling played a key role in sealing the victory. Taskin Ahmed led the charge with four wickets while Mustafizur Rahman took three. Earlier in the match, Pakistani bowler Haris Rauf was the most successful bowler for his side, taking three wickets.
