Shahid Afridi weighs in on Shadab Khan-Usama Mir debate

Former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi weighs in on the Shadab Khan versus Usama Mir debate regarding their selection in Pakistan's playing XI for the ICC World Cup.

While expressing his perspective on a local news channel, Afridi advocates for Mir to be chosen over Shadab in the lineup. Afridi emphasized that there's a notable disparity in their bowling abilities, praising Usama's drift and body language as superior.

“There is massive difference in their bowling. In terms of drift and body language Usama is much better,” Afridi said.

The 46-year-old also mentioned that Shadab, once known for scoring crucial runs, hasn't been delivering in that aspect recently, making the batting difference minimal.

“Shadab used to score some runs but that is not the case right now so there is not much of a difference in their batting as well," he further added.

Afridi acknowledges Shadab's past significance to the Pakistan team but underscores the importance of current performance. He suggests that if a player, regardless of their previous role, is struggling, they should be benched to allow others an opportunity. 

“Shadab was once the backbone of the Pakistan team and I was a huge supporter of him. But if you are unable to perform well, be it captain or vice-captain, a player should be benched and others should be given an opportunity," Afridi asserted.

In the World Cup warm-up match against Australia, Shadab conceded 69 runs in 10 overs with one wicket, while Usama claimed 2-31 in five overs.

The ICC Cricket World Cup is set to begin, starting with a clash between 2019 finalists England and New Zealand at Ahmedabad on Thursday. While Pakistan is set to face Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.