Pakistan’s heavy defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 sparked fiery criticism from former captain Shahid Afridi. While the no-handshake controversy dominated headlines, Afridi turned attention back to Pakistan’s on-field collapse and the state of its cricket. He directly called out his son-in-law Shaheen Afridi and raised concerns about the weak domestic setup that continues to hold players back.
Shaheen failed to take wickets with the new ball but contributed 33 runs off 16 balls late in the innings. His quick knock ensured Pakistan avoided being bowled out for under 100. Afridi, however, stressed that Shaheen’s priority must always be bowling, not batting.
“Thankfully, Shaheen scored some runs, which helped our team to go past the 100-run mark. But I don’t want runs from Shaheen, I want bowling from Shaheen, I don’t want bowling from Sam Ayub, I want runs from him. Shaheen should understand that his role is to swing the new ball and he should know how to take wickets by moving the ball forward. He should focus on his game plan,” Shahid Afridi told Samaa TV.
Afridi Wants Shaheen to Regain Bowling Focus
Afridi reminded Shaheen that his biggest asset is the ability to swing the ball early. He said wickets with the new ball are vital to Pakistan’s chances in big tournaments.
“Shaheen should play mind games, he can take wickets in the beginning. I would like him to win the match for Pakistan with his bowling,” he said.
Afridi’s words make clear that Pakistan cannot rely on tailenders to rescue batting collapses. Instead, bowlers must step up with the ball.
Afridi Attacks Pakistan’s Domestic Cricket System
The ex-allrounder also launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure. He described the country’s domestic competitions as “third class” and highlighted poor investment in grassroots cricket.
“You need to better the domestic system in Pakistan, invest money, bring qualified coaches, and help players develop a progressive mindset that can cope with the demands of the game. I am tired of asking the PCB to do this, I am requesting once again. Please focus on domestic cricket. Just do one favour to Pakistan, make their domestic system strong.”
Afridi argued that without structural reforms, Pakistan’s cricket will continue to fall behind its rivals. He urged the PCB to modernise training, hire skilled coaches, and create conditions where young players can adapt to global standards.
Shahid Afridi’s remarks after the Asia Cup 2025 defeat underline two urgent problems—Shaheen Afridi’s inconsistency with the ball and Pakistan’s broken domestic system. His warning is clear: unless the PCB invests in player development and strengthens first-class cricket, Pakistan will keep struggling on the world stage. Afridi’s call is not new, but his frustration reflects the growing demand for real change in Pakistan cricket.
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