Former Pakistan cricket captain Rashid Latif has expressed serious concerns about the national team’s fast bowling attack after their heavy defeat against New Zealand in the tri-nation ODI series. He specifically criticized left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, calling for his removal from the squad due to his inconsistent performances.
Shaheen Afridi’s Struggles in Recent Matches:
In the recent match against New Zealand, Shaheen Afridi conceded 88 runs in his 10-over spell, including 25 runs in the final over. Despite taking three wickets, his expensive bowling cost Pakistan dearly, leading to strong reactions from cricket experts and fans. Rashid Latif believes that such performances put unnecessary pressure on the team and affect their chances of winning matches.
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Latif Questions the Performance of Senior Players:
Speaking on a private TV channel, Rashid Latif not only questioned Shaheen Afridi’s effectiveness but also raised concerns about other senior players like Naseem Shah. According to Latif, Naseem has been part of the team for a long time but has not made a significant impact in crucial matches. He pointed out that while players like Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha often get blamed for poor performances, top players like Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah are rarely held accountable.
Team’s Struggles in Batting and Fielding:
Latif emphasized that when senior players fail to perform, the entire team struggles. He mentioned that emerging players like Saud Shakeel and Tayyab Tahir can only perform well when the main players set a strong foundation. He also highlighted the poor fielding and batting performances of the team, making it even harder to win matches.
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Haris Rauf’s Injury Impacted the Team:
Another major concern raised by Latif was the absence of fast bowler Haris Rauf due to injury. He suggested that Rauf’s presence could have made a difference in Pakistan’s performance, as he has been a key player in the bowling attack.
Call for Change in Pakistan Cricket Team:
Latif urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take a fresh approach by introducing new fast bowlers and ensuring that senior players are held accountable for their performances. He believes that unless significant changes are made, the team will continue to struggle in major tournaments.
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