Shahid Afridi feels lack of focus at grassroots level is bound to hurt Pakistan cricket
The former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi believes that lack of focus towards the grassroots level of the game is bound to hurt Pakistan cricket. According to him, the absence of talent in Pakistan's domestic scene may be a cause of worry.
The Pakistan Cricket team has not had a very good season this year. They were knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2016 in the group stage, with just one win coming against Bangladesh. Afridi received severe criticism for his captaincy by the fans in Pakistan and also the Pakistan Cricket Board.
"The way I see it right now we don't have that much real talent in the background. I can't pinpoint any young player with certainty. I think the Board needs to pay attention to school cricket and work at the grassroots level," the 36-year-old said, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Also read: Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad court controversy again
Afridi wants to play county cricket in England in the summer
Afridi, along with Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad, was not selected in the 35-member training camp for the upcoming England tour by the new national selection committee, headed by chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. However, he clarified that he had informed the board earlier that he would not be available for the camp.
"I am just focussing on T20 cricket and I had informed the board about my commitment in English county cricket this summer. But I will obviously work hard on my form and fitness in order to make the Pakistan team," Afridi said.
Chief selector Inzamam clarified that Afridi was just being rested as Pakistan would play very few T20Is in the coming season, but the fiery batsman would be considered for the future games. Meanwhile, Shehzad and Akmal have been dropped on grounds of disciplinary issues.
"I don't know why they (Shehzad, Umar Akmal) are dropped, but if discipline is the reason then obviously they need to pay attention to this and work harder on their cricket. I also agree that there should be no compromise on discipline and it is time to give young players a chance," he added.
Pakistan are currently preparing for their tour of England which consists of 4 Tests, 5 one-day internationals and a solitary T20I.