Following a disappointing performance in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team's troubles show no signs of abating. Now, a 2-1 series defeat in the ODIs against Bangladesh has thoroughly exposed the team's vulnerabilities. In the wake of this loss, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has launched a scathing attack on the selectors and the team management.
PAK vs BAN: Uproar in Pakistan After Defeat to Bangladesh
Afridi stated unequivocally that while the Pakistan team is indeed in need of changes, the real "surgery" is required not among the players, but within the selection committee itself. These remarks come on the heels of the defeat against Bangladesh—a loss that has further intensified the ongoing debate within Pakistan cricket.
In a video shared on social media, Afridi stated, "You witnessed the team's performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup, and subsequently, we even lost the series against Bangladesh by a margin of 2-1." In his opinion, the selection committee deserves criticism. He further added, "All of you who are on the committee—you have played so much cricket, yet you still lack the understanding of who should be the captain for which format."
Key Players in Pakistan Squad Fail—
Afridi remarked that the team management is making excessive decisions in the name of "surgery" (major changes within the squad). "What exactly are you doing? You are selecting young players who have barely played a handful of first-class matches." Furthermore, he noted that the standard of domestic cricket is not high enough to consistently produce players who are ready to cement their place in the Pakistan national team.
Afridi also expressed concern regarding the treatment meted out to experienced players. He stated that in the 50-over format, certain players who had already proven their mettle were dropped from the squad without any concrete justification. He further argued that these senior players—even if they had not performed well in T20s—were, in fact, deserving of their spots in the team. Their records in ODIs were exceptional. Yet, under the guise of "surgery," these experienced players were dropped from the squad despite their stellar ODI performances.
Bangladesh Wins ODI Series—
The third and decisive ODI match was played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, where Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 11 runs to clinch the series. Batting first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 290 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, the entire Pakistan team was bowled out for 279 runs, suffering an 11-run defeat.
