Repercussions after Pakistan’s humiliating loss to India at Birmingham are still quite fresh in the subcontinent, as former Pakistani cricketers have criticised the unit to the absolute core.
Former coaches and individuals were scathing in criticism about team’s lacklustre performance against a much superior Indian outfit in the side’s opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy.
However, former captain Shahid Afridi has been an exception and rather than just blindly subjugating the side to taunts, the Pathan has some words of motivation for the team. Ahead of Pakistan’s all important game against South Africa in Birmingham, Afridi mentioned that the management needs to do a thorough “soul searching” first and then head on to the field with an absolute clear mindset.
The hard-hitting all-rounder of the years gone by asked the players to play with a free mind and not worry about the consequences. Afridi was also vocal in stating that the management should motivate the team and back all players.
“Pakistan needs to do some soul-searching before its next game against the top-ranked ODI team – South Africa,” said Afridi.
“After a heavy loss, it has nothing to lose and should play with uncluttered minds against the Proteas. Recovering from defeat would be a tough ask, yet it isn’t impossible to see Pakistan bounce back.I hope the team management lifts the morale of the players ahead of the do-or-die clash; hopefully, we will see them fight hard,” Afridi added.
Post the side’s loss, Afridi mentioned that the fielding would have to improve.
“Pakistan’s fielding was very ordinary too, with easy runs given away inside the circle, besides the dropped chances, which made life tougher for the bowlers. The players looked tense and nervous despite the claims to the contrary before the start of the game,” Afridi added.