Afridi: Pakistan Wrong in Resting Big Stars for Australia ODIs

Six established names, including captain Sarfraz Ahmed, have been rested for the upcoming five-match series in UAE.

File picture of Shahid Afridi (left) and current Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed.

(Photo: File)

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Monday, 11 March, criticised the national selectors for resting six senior players, including skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, for the upcoming ODI series against Australia, saying a good outing would have boosted their confidence ahead of the World Cup.

In a surprising move, the selectors picked young speedster Mohammad Hasnain in the one-day squad although he has appeared in just two first-class games, apart from playing for the Pakistan juniors and doing well in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

“I don’t know (about selecting Hasnain) but we must first give chances to the established bowlers like Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz. First look and give proper chance(s) to the established players because after all we are playing in the World Cup.”

Shahid Afridi

“Look if we had been playing against a weak side than it made sense to try new players, but this is a series against a big team and I don't think it was right time to rest players after all it is not as if they have been playing for some 10 or 15 years,” Afridi added.

“I would think that if our main players played against a team like Australia and did well it would boost their confidence for the World Cup.”

Shahid Afridi

Afridi, who is playing for his third franchise (Multan) in the PSL, dismissed talks about him finally taking retirement from all cricket.

“I haven't had a very good time in this PSL but let's see which franchise picks me next season or (if) I stay with Multan,” he said.

A veteran of 398 ODIs over the course of a two-decade long international career, in addition to 27 Tests and 99 T20Is, Afridi believes it is now time for the PCB to start holding home matches as well as the entire PSL in Pakistan.

“It was my dream to play this PSL in front of the crowds of Karachi where I have been raised and played all my cricket. I got it today.”

Shahid Afridi

“The way the people have responded to the PSL matches being held in Pakistan I think it is a clear message that we as a nation love cricket and want to see matches at home.”