Shahid Afridi concerned over Pakistan cricket future

In a recent conversation with the Geo Super Channel, former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi expressed concerns over the declining standards of cricket in the country. He emphasized on the fact that the Pakistan Cricket Board needs to go back to the basics and start working at the grass-root levels if they wish to improve.

Afridi quoted that currently he sees no young player in the country on whom he can place a bid on, which is certainly a worrying factor. “The way I see it right now we don’t have that much real talent in the background. I can’t pinpoint any young player with certainty. I think the Board needs to pay attention to school cricket and work at grass root level,” he said.

Afridi stepped down as the skipper of the national side following Pakistan’s poor show at the Asia Cup and the World T20. He also failed to make it to the squad that is preparing for the England tour next month. Chief Selector Inzamam Ul-Haq, though, said that Afridi wasn’t dropped but it was only a move to give chance to the younger players. Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal were dropped from the side too.

Commenting on the same, Afridi quoted, “I don’t know why they are dropped but if discipline is the reason then obviously they need to pay attention to this and work harder on their cricket. I also agree that there should be no compromise on discipline and it is time to give young players a chance.”

Speaking on the personal front, Afridi mentioned that his primary focus in T20 cricket and will be playing the county season this summer. “I am just focussing on T20 cricket and I had informed the board about my commitment in English county cricket this summer. But I will obviously work hard on my form and fitness in order to make the Pakistan team,” Afridi said.

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