Following a 2-1 defeat to Bangladesh in the recent ODI series, former Pakistan batsman Ahmed Shehzad has launched a scathing critique of the national team’s leadership and management. Shehzad warned that Pakistan cricket has reached a perilous state, teetering on a path of international decline, and without immediate reforms, the team’s global standing could suffer further.
The controversy intensified after Pakistan narrowly lost the third ODI in Dhaka by just 11 runs. Speaking live on his YouTube channel, Shehzad openly criticised captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and head coach Mike Hesson, stating: “Management seems more focused on making excuses than addressing core problems. Even after a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, no meaningful changes were made. Suddenly introducing young players mid-series and then using that as an excuse is unacceptable. No progress is possible unless mistakes are acknowledged.”
Shehzad also questioned the absence of experienced batsmen Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman from the series. While Afridi and Hesson insisted they were resting, chief selector Aqib Javed explained that both sustained injuries during the recent T20 World Cup. Shehzad argued: “The explanations given are inconsistent, and the decision-making process is dangerously flawed.”
Tactical decisions were another point of contention. Shehzad criticised the choice to field first after winning the toss in the third ODI, commenting: “The pitch was excellent. We should have batted first and bowled under lights at night. If senior players make such decisions, what guidance is left for the youngsters?”
He further highlighted the cumulative impact of Pakistan’s recent failures, including their exit from the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage and the team’s inability to reach the semifinals in four consecutive ICC events. Shehzad said: “There is talk of victories over Australia and South Africa, but those teams never fielded their full-strength sides. Pakistan cricket should have been fixed long ago. Now we are dropping to associate-level performance. People are beginning to see Pakistan as Zimbabwe. And then they claim elimination from tournaments was due to run rates—it is utterly embarrassing.”
Recent Pakistan ODI Series Results
| Match | Date | Fixture | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Dhaka | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Bangladesh won | 7 wickets |
| 2nd | Dhaka | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Pakistan won | 25 runs |
| 3rd | Dhaka | Pakistan vs Bangladesh | Bangladesh won | 11 runs |
Shehzad’s sharp critique, combined with the series defeat, underscores the urgent need for a major overhaul in leadership, selection policies, and player management. The ODI results, questionable player handling, and strategic missteps have plunged Pakistan cricket into a crisis.
Without swift reform, Pakistan risks further decline on the international stage, potentially impacting their performance in World Cups and other major tournaments for years to come.