Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has demanded for Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad. The bowler, regarded as Pakistan’s best in the current lot, has rather been sub-par with his performances in the recent matches. His 3/88 against New Zealand in the Tri-Nation series did not do any help to the side as the hosts were smothered by the Kiwis.
No Shaheen Afridi for Champions Trophy?
As per Cricket Pakistan, Rashid questioned Afridi’s inclusion in the ODI team, asking when was the last time the pacer delivered a match-winning performance. He suggested that it was time for the Pakistan selectors to make changes to their ICC Champions Trophy squad. Interestingly, the publication – in another report – claimed that no changes were expected to be made to the squad, citing sources.
“When was the last time Afridi delivered a match-winning performance?” Latif questioned
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Latif further stressed on the need for the senior players to step up and deliver. He noticed that there was no criticism directed at the poor shows put up by Babar Azam and Rizwan while the younger players were subjected to harsh criticism. He further took a jibe at Naseem Shah, noting that the pacer had hardly contributed to Pakistan cricket in the recent past.
With 122 wickets to his name from 60 ODIs. Afridi is indeed one of the best bowlers in the format for Pakistan. However, his form is a major concern ahead of Champions Trophy. In 2024, he only managed to bag 15 wickets from 6 ODIs. His best year came in the World Cup year in 2023 where he bagged 42 scalps. Pakistan will rely heavily on Afridi as he is expected to spearhead the pace attack in CT 2025.
Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan (c) Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Muhammad Hasnain and Haris Rauf.
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