Pakistan cricketer addresses propaganda against Shaheen Afridi, backs Gillespie's statement on Sarfaraz Ahmed

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Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has voiced his concerns over the treatment of national team's left-arm pacer, Shaheen Afridi, suggesting a troubling trend of scapegoating within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Shehzad expressed his frustrations regarding how Afridi is often blamed for the team's shortcomings, stating, "Like always, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to make Shaheen Shah Afridi the scapegoat this time. Briefings have taken place, and in the coming times, you will see Shaheen on and off the team. The reason given will be that he has bowled the most, he has bowled a lot of overs, he is facing workload issues, he has injuries, and family reasons. All these justifications are presented when a player is removed from the team." 

The opening batter also addressed remarks made by red-ball coach Jason Gillespie regarding the aging Sarfaraz Ahmed. Gillespie suggested that the team needs to find a younger replacement for the former captain. 

"Jason Gillespie, the red-ball coach, said about Sarfaraz Ahmed that 'Sarfaraz is not getting younger anymore; we need to keep finding youngsters.' He also mentioned that there can't be too many changes in the Pakistan team because they have only lost one series so far, and potential players can't just be ruled out after a single series," he said.

While acknowledging Sarfaraz's significant contributions, including leading Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, Shehzad agreed with Gillespie's perspective on the need for a viable successor. 

"Sarfaraz Ahmed has made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket, notably winning the 2017 Champions Trophy as captain. Despite criticisms of his leadership and decision-making, he has consistently played well. After a tough period when he was dropped due to declining performances, Babar Azam supported him and kept him connected with the team. However, Sarfaraz must now consider his career direction, especially as he’s not getting younger. Jason Gillespie raises a crucial point, but is there a capable replacement for him in the pipeline?," he said.

“For now, Sarfaraz must now consider his career direction, especially as he’s not getting younger. The PCB needs to ensure there’s a solid backup ready to step up,” he added.

The 32-year-old expressed his criticism of Gillespie's decision to keep the same squad for the upcoming Test series against England, especially following the recent loss to Bangladesh. He also highlighted a more significant issue concerning the lack of unity within the Pakistan team.

"To clarify, Gillespie, we've only lost one series since you arrived, but before you, we were losing badly. You need to understand that every other coach will face similar situations; when they come in and lose their first couple of series, they'll say, "It was just the first couple of series; we cannot exclude players because of that." However, you must recognize that you are not the only coach Pakistan has hired. There were others before you who also faced losses with the same group of players. So, I don't understand why you're saying all this when changes are on the horizon," he said.

"When there's no unity in the team, you need to sit out players who aren't contributing positively. Look at how Ricky Ponting handled Andrew Symonds after he missed a meeting—discipline is key. If you want to do right by the country, Jason, make tough decisions about these groupings. Everyone knows about the lack of unity in the Pakistan team; it's being highlighted by neighboring countries. You can't let players blackmail the PCB, especially with strong players and agents involved. If you don't act decisively now, don't complain later about the system. This is the time for serious decisions," he concluded.