The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) came under fire after it announced the squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The selections not only raised questions amongst the fans but were also criticised by former coaches and players.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, former all-rounder Shahid Afridi has stated that he was left in a state of confusion over the selection of some players.

Afridi also claimed that some changes could be made to the squad before the mega event began.

“I am definitely surprised by the selection. I don’t understand the selection of two to three players in the squad. I also don’t understand how we could have left a couple of names out of the squad either,” said Afridi.

“I have received some information and PCB is very likely to announce another squad for the upcoming World Cup with some changes,” he added.

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It is worth pointing out that all cricketing boards are allowed to make changes to their initial squad till October 10, as previously pointed out by PCB Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim earlier this week.

“Under special circumstances and in exceptional cases, we can make the necessary changes if required,” said Wasim.

Afridi also claimed that irrespective of the team selection, he is going to fully stand behind them once they depart for the mega-event which begins from October 17, 2021.

When asked about the changes made in the coaching department, Afridi remarked: “I don’t think Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander are going to make much of an impact due to shortage of time. If they [Misbahul Haq and Waqar Younis] resigned on their own then they have seriously hurt Pakistan cricket team and should definitely have waited till the World Cup was over.”

Pakistan will start their 2021 ICC Men’s World Cup campaign with a match against their fierce rivals India on October 24, 2021.