ICC T20 World Cup 2016: Waqar Younis launches no-holds barred criticism on Shahid Afridi
In a strongly worded report submitted to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Head Coach Waqar Younis has slammed the approach of skipper Shahid Afridi. ESPNCricinfo reported the 44-year old also criticizing the selectors for succumbing to the media pressure and not dropping under-performing players.
Akin to a disclaimer, Waqar’s report began with a solid introduction. “My aim for this report is not to shift the blame to any personal individual but to identify where things did not go right, where we could have improved, hindrances and recommendations which I hope are implemented for the betterment of Pakistan and its future.”
Pakistan had crashed out of the World T20 with only a solitary victory against Bangladesh. However, their limited-overs fortunes are in a major rut with poor performances leading to lower rankings.
The former speedster who had terrorized many a batsman in his heydays was furious at the efforts of Afridi. He stated, "Shahid Afridi didn't attend few meetings, practice - and this is not how a captain leads from the front. It was unfair how he played Mohammad Nawaz during the game which destroyed the youngster's confidence.”
Waqar continued, “He was so fixated on his own performance that he did not execute any game plan or use the right player at the right time. His sudden decision on changing the batting order or field placement did not help the team. He appeared to be under so much pressure and playing poorly as well, it really reflected poorly on the team.”
He added, “The whole team morale was down because they all felt the pressure from the captain. No matter how many times I talk to the players, it is the captain who has to lead the boys on the field and execute the plan.”
Legendary pacer hurls toe-crushers at the selectors
Lambasting the selectors for not taking a solid stance against inconsistent batsmen, Waqar openly mentioned the attitude problems of Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. The 'Burewala Express’ noted, “Are we bold enough to take this step or do we fear the media or pressure from different people to play certain players? I can assure you that sacrificing one Umar Akmal will allow us to develop other players who can truly and proudly wear the star on their chest and represent Pakistan.”
Angry at the sudden recall of Shehzad into the national team for the World T20 after being dropped for the Asia Cup, Younis argued, “This was a complete knee-jerking reaction, how can you consider a player in one tour when you have dropped him in a previous tour? What is the criteria to be selected? To gain support from the media and then bring back into the team, this is bullying and not a good example for others to follow.”
Waqar hoped that the PCB would make adequate changes and revamp the system by paying heed to his recommendations.