Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under fire after announcing the T20 World Cup squad. After the list of 15 players came out, the selectors were not only questioned by the fans but also by the coaches and players.
In an exclusive interview, the former Pakistan all-rounder, Shahid Afridi said that he was left in a state of confusion after over the selection of some of the players in the T20 World Cup squad.
The 44-year-old also hinted that there is a possibility of a couple of changes in the squad before the mega event begins.
“I am definitely surprised by the selection. I don’t understand the selection of two to three players in the squad. I also don’t understand how we could have left a couple of names out of the squad either,” said Afridi.
“I have received some information and PCB is very likely to announce another squad for the upcoming World Cup with some changes,”
he added.
It is also be noted that all the cricketing boards can make changes to their World Cup squad till October 10 and PCB Chief Selector, Mohammad Wasim also pointed out last week.
“Under special circumstances and in exceptional cases, we can make the necessary changes if required,”
said Wasim.
Shahid Afridi also said that whichever team gets finalized for the T20 World Cup, he will stand fully behind them once they depart for UAE before the event starts from October 17, 2021.
When asked about changes in the coaching department, Afridi responded:
“I don’t think Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander are going to make much of an impact due to shortage of time. If they [Misbahul Haq and Waqar Younis] resigned on their own then they have seriously hurt the Pakistan cricket team and should definitely have waited till the World Cup was over.”
Pakistan will start their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on October 24 with the first match against their fierce rivals, India.