Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has said that excluding Shaheen Shah Afridi from his preferred playing XI was a deliberate strategy. He explained that the move was designed to motivate the fast bowler ahead of a key match against England.
Speaking on a private television program, Afridi said Shaheen was not part of the team he would have selected for the high-profile clash. However, he stressed that the decision was not about ability. Instead, it was about player management and psychology.
Afridi said he understands Shaheen’s mindset very well. He noted that some players perform better when directly challenged. According to him, strong words can sometimes ignite a player’s competitive spirit. He admitted that he intentionally made strict comments to trigger a reaction.
The former all-rounder added that public criticism can motivate certain cricketers. He even shared a personal anecdote. Afridi said he told his daughter at home that Shaheen would respond strongly if given a chance to play. He claimed he had predicted the bowler’s reaction before the match.
Shaheen later delivered an impressive performance against England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. He took 4 wickets for 30 runs in a fiery spell. Despite his effort, Pakistan lost the match by two wickets in a close contest.
Earlier in the tournament, Shaheen had faced scrutiny over his form. He was dropped for matches against Namibia and New Zealand. In his first three games, he managed only three wickets. This raised questions about his place in the playing XI.
Afridi maintained that his comments were not reactionary. He said he would still leave Shaheen out if asked to select the next match. He believes tough handling works for certain players. According to him, understanding individual psychology is key in modern cricket.
The discussion has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some praised Afridi’s honesty about man-management. Others questioned whether public criticism is the right approach.
In other news read more about Mohammad Hafeez Says Dropping Shaheen Shah Afridi As T20 Captain Was A Mistake
For now, Shaheen’s performance has shifted the focus back to his bowling strength. His recent spell showed that he remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s pace attack.
