Shaheen Afridi. Image Credits: AFP
Pakistan cricket’s concern is not even about going down, as the recent T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has added a new concern. As the entire team came under scrutiny, Shaheen Afridi’s disastrous performance throughout the tournament sparked massive criticism across the globe.
After Shahid Afridi spoke out on his ODI captaincy, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif fired a strong criticism at Shaheen Afridi. While taking a sharp dig, he said that Afridi didn’t even deserve to be in the team.
Rashid Latif drops a blunt verdict on Shaheen Afridi
In the last few years, Pakistan cricket has undergone major changes to overcome its long-standing struggles. The team appointed different captains, but the struggle remained unchanged. After their heartbreaking exit from the recently ended T20 World Cup 2026, the criticism went louder.
After the Men in Green faced a heartbreaking defeat in the ODI series against Bangladesh, Shahid Afridi questioned Shaheen Afridi’s role as Pakistan’s ODI skipper. As concerns grew across the cricket world over the team’s struggles, another Pakistani legend also stepped into the debate.
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While many cricket experts believe Shaheen Afridi is better suited to lead Pakistan in T20Is rather than ODIs, former wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif made an even bolder remark. Taking a sharp dig at Afridi, Latif said that he doesn’t even deserve to be in the T20I side.
“Now everyone is saying that Shaheen should not be the ODI captain. He shouldn’t even be in the T20I team. People are now saying that he should become the captain of the T20I side. Yes, he should have been earlier, but now he doesn’t deserve a place in the T20I team. People are running a campaign to have him be the captain of the T20I team instead of the ODI team. He doesn’t even deserve a place. Now, the time is over,” he said.
Shaheen Afridi’s T20 World Cup 2026 run ends in embarrassment
Over the years, ICC trophies have remained elusive for them, as their recent struggle has always kept them away from glory. As the Men in Green began their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA, Shaheen Afridi looked off rhythm from the very first game, starting with figures of 1/28. His troubles only deepened as the tournament progressed.
The world is well aware of his brilliant pace, but in the T20 World Cup 2026 exposed his weak point. In crucial overs, he leaked runs and allowed batters to dominate with big hits. While Pakistan were already enduring a nightmare campaign, Afridi’s struggles only made things worse.
Even in the recently ended ODI series against Bangladesh, his struggle persisted even in the 50-over format. In three matches, he secured just four wickets as Pakistan faced a humiliating ODI series by a 2-1 margin. That sparked more criticism.
Shaheen set to return in PSL 2026
As the cricket world raised its voice against Afridi’s ongoing struggle, the Pakistan pacer is set to make a return in the upcoming PSL 2026. Donning the Lahore Qalandars’ jersey, he is ready to lead the franchise to another trophy chest. Under his leadership, the franchise tasted immense success.
In PSL 2025, Shaheen Afridi led them to their second PSL trophy triumph as the team defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets and lifted the trophy. As the tournament commences on March 26, they will play the inaugural match of the tournament against the Hyderabad Kingsmen.
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