LAHORE – Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticised fast bowler Shaheen Afridi over his bowling decisions during the recent T20 World Cup, raising concerns about repeated tactical errors in crucial overs.

Speaking on a private television programme, Shahid Afridi said Shaheen Afridi’s approach in the tournament reflected lapses in basic decision-making, particularly while bowling in the final over of an innings. He said the issue was significant because late-over execution often determines match outcomes in modern T20 cricket.

Afridi stated that despite several years of international experience, Shaheen continued to repeat similar mistakes. He pointed to instances where bowling round the wicket to a right-handed batter was used in situations where it was not considered the preferred option. Even when attempting that angle, he said, deliveries should be directed within the stumps to limit scoring opportunities.

The former captain said the same concerns had been discussed previously but were still visible in high-pressure matches. He questioned when Pakistan’s bowlers would fully grasp what he described as fundamental aspects of T20 strategy.

Afridi also commented more broadly on the team’s mindset, saying players must show greater willingness to learn and adapt. He added that responsibility in a match rests on the entire side rather than one or two individuals.

Pakistan’s performance in global tournaments has remained under scrutiny, with former players and analysts frequently highlighting issues related to game awareness, execution under pressure, and adapting to modern white-ball cricket demands.

Shaheen Afridi has been a key member of Pakistan’s pace attack in recent years, but discussions around tactical discipline and consistency have intensified following the team’s T20 World Cup campaign.