“Afridi’s place in the team was over a few years back”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Legendary Pakistan batsman Javed Miandad believes that current Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi should not be part of the national team.

Miandad pointed out that Afridi has struggled to find his form and is no longer a “reliable performer” that Pakistan can bank on in pressure situations.

“How can you have a player who no one knows how he will perform. Afridi’s place in the team was over a few years back,” Miandad told Aaj channel. “How can you expect to win or improve your cricket when a player who stopped being a reliable performer some years ago is still playing in the national team. He is captain.”

Miandad also lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for failing to produce talented players through their domestic competitions.

“You still have parchi (slip) system in domestic cricket even at district level. It only looks good on surface but in reality it is not producing quality players,” he said. “Don’t they know what is happening. Don’t they see what is happening to our cricket. I say sack this selection committee and players who don’t perform. Nowadays we have a trend where players play because of the media.

“The fact is many of our players lack cricket sense and aptitude. They are over-protected. They are saying Pakistan Super League will produce talent. I didn’t see any player in the PSL, who is so good that he can get a contract in the Big Bash or IPL.”