Former Pakistani skipper, Shahid Afridi, has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their constant reshuffling of the workforce, particularly following the disheartening T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, which proved to be a severe letdown for the 2009 champions as they bowed out of the competition in the group-stage itself.
The former all-rounder observed that for a new system to mature and succeed, it must be given sufficient time to evolve. Such patience was essential for any modifications to yield a substantial and positive impact. He also remarked that “things don’t work that way,” referring to the recurring changes in chairmanship and alterations in the management system.
“When you change or bring in any new structure, you must give the system time. Every year, a new chairman comes, and a new system is introduced. Things don’t work this way,” said Afridi in a conversation with Sports24.
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A palpable backlash from fans and the PCB followed the unexpected exit from the marquee event, leading to substantial changes in the support staff. Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq were dismissed from their roles as selectors, while Babar Azam’s future remains uncertain for the time being. Moreover, a similar situation occurred following the ODI World Cup in 2023, when Zaka Ashraf was ousted from his chairmanship merely a few months after the tournament’s conclusion.
If you keep changing the system every year, what results can you expect?: Afridi
Elaborating on his viewpoint, Shahid Afridi asserted that all senior board members and prominent players should convene to develop a comprehensive plan and agenda. This plan should be implemented, tested, and refined over a substantial period, such as three years. He emphasized that no meaningful results can be anticipated if the system is altered annually.
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“All the senior board members and senior players should sit together at one table and make a plan. Then let that plan be executed for three years. Let the results come. If you keep changing the system every year, what results can you expect?” Afridi further added.
In terms of cricketing affairs, Pakistan will undertake their next international commitment by hosting a two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home in August.