'We are playing same old brand of cricket': Shahid Afridi lashes out at Pakistan

Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 stage has continued to draw sharp criticism, with former captain Shahid Afridi launching a scathing attack on the team’s approach and execution. Led by Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals, managing only a narrow win over Sri Lanka and struggling against other ICC full-member sides.

Afridi Slams Tactical Errors

Pakistan posted 212/8 in 20 overs in a crucial match but needed to restrict Sri Lanka to 147 to surpass New Zealand on net run-rate. However, Sri Lanka responded strongly, finishing on 207/6. In a costly final over, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi conceded 22 runs, a moment that drew sharp criticism from Shahid Afridi.

Speaking on this issue, Afridi questioned Shaheen’s game awareness, saying repeated mistakes were hurting the team. He pointed to flawed angles and poor execution in the final over, especially bowling round the wicket to a right-hander and attempting wide yorkers with fielders inside the circle on Asian pitches.

"When a right-hander is batting, you can't bowl from round the wicket. If one still wants to bowl from that angle, a left-armer has to bowl at the stumps. When the third-man and point fielders are inside the circle, you can't bowl wide yorkers. This angle becomes an easy one for batters to hit on Asian pitches. If you had bowled from over the wicket, it would have been difficult for batters to hit a six. I don't know when these guys will learn. They don't learn, nor do they want to learn." he said.

"Our mindset lags behind, we are playing the same old brand of cricket” the former Pakistan captain said while expressing frustration over recurring tactical lapses.

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Also Read: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup debacle: PCB imposes PKR 50 lakh fine on each player

PCB Imposes Heavy Fines

Following the early elimination, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly imposed fines of PKR 5 million per player. The move signals accountability after a string of underwhelming performances in major tournaments.

Discipline vs Structural Issues

While the fines underline PCB’s intent to enforce discipline, critics argue that deeper structural issues including selection inconsistencies and strategic planning must be addressed.

As debate intensifies, Pakistan cricket once again finds itself at a crossroads, searching for answers beyond financial penalties.