Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi urged journalists to stop excessive criticism of senior players after the team's recent international series. The left-arm pacer said that players like Babar Azam are often judged on a few poor performances, while their long-term contributions to Pakistan cricket are overlooked.
The third ODI between Pakistan and Australia was played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, June 4. Pakistan secured a four-wicket victory to clinch the series 2-1, marking the third consecutive ODI series win over Australia. Shaheen was named Player of the Match for his performance in the series decider.
Just Let Them Be - Shaheen Afridi Defends Pakistan's Senior Players
Speaking after the match, Shaheen Afridi defended Pakistan's senior players against constant criticism from the media. The Pakistan captain said that players always give their best on the field and urged journalists not to overreact to one or two poor performances.
“I have a request for you all. You always speak about the seniors not performing. When they do, you ask, ‘Why have you performed?’ Unhe ek haal pe chddh de (Just let them be). Everyone is trying their best. No one is going to their home,” Shaheen told reporters.
Stand-in captain Josh Inglis was Australia's top scorer with 65 off 71 balls in the first innings. Afridi led Pakistan's bowling attack with figures of 3/30 as Australia were bowled out for 157.
Pakistan chased down the target with four wickets to spare. Babar Azam contributed 40 runs, while Shadab Khan remained unbeaten on 29. Abdul Samad also scored 18 as Pakistan secured the series-deciding victory.
We Won on Green and Bouncy Pitches - Shaheen Afridi Defends Pakistan's Home Conditions
Shaheen Afridi also backed Pakistan's decision to prepare spin-friendly pitches for the series against Australia. The Pakistan captain said that every team uses home conditions to its advantage.
“When we went to Australia under Rizwan’s captaincy, we won the series there as well. We won on green and bouncy pitches. They thought that because we had come from Asia, giving us green wickets would trouble us,” said Shaheen.
“So if they have come to our country, we can't be expected to give them green wickets. We also have to win matches. Their strongest playing XI was playing too,” he added.
No One Can Do Well in All Ten Games - Shaheen Afridi Backs Senior Players
Shaheen Afridi also said that it is unrealistic to expect players to perform in every match. The Pakistan captain stressed the importance of experienced players in helping younger cricketers develop and settle at the international level.
“In the Rawalpindi ODI, Babar scored a fifty in difficult conditions. He also guided Ghazi Ghori. If you remove seniors from the side, how will you build up the juniors? When I made my debut, seniors were there, and I learned from them.”
“Even the best player in the world will only do well in 3-4 games out of 10. No one can do well in all ten games, so just give everyone a chance,” he added.
In the first ODI in Rawalpindi, Babar Azam scored a half-century in difficult batting conditions and helped guide youngster Ghazi Ghori through the innings. Meanwhile, debutant spinner Arafat Minhas was named Player of the Series after taking seven wickets at an average of 12.29 and scoring 60 runs.
