The former PCB chief Ehsan Mani has taken a dig at former captain Shahid Afridi following Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy.
The 45-year-old made his statement after Pakistan’s group stage exit in the recently concluded ICC event.
The cricket-turned-commentator further slammed the selectors for picking discarded all-rounder Shadab Khan in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand despite his poor performance in 10 outings in domestic cricket.
Ehsan Mani has said that the former all-rounder has his ‘own personal agendas’ giving no credibility to his contribution to his criticism.
The 79 year old has addressed the lack of leadership from Chairman and directors of PCB following their poor showing for Pakistan in the last three ICC events – 2023 ODI World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
Speaking on issue, Ehsan Mani said, “I do not give any credibility to what Shahid Afridi or anyone else says. They have their personal agendas or whatever. So, I wouldn’t go there. No comment on that.”
“All I would say is that leadership must come from the chairman and from the board of directors of PCB. For the rest, I don’t give much credibility to these criticism,” said Eshan Mani.
The statement came amide constant chopping and changing in Pakistan cricket, including captains, coaches and PCB chairman over the last few years.
Shahid Afridi came up with a blunt take on Pakistan’s poor showing in their ICC events. He said during a media interaction. “All the time we talk about preparations, and when an event comes and we flop, then we talk about surgery. The fact is Pakistan cricket is in ICU because of incorrect decisions.”
In addition, Afridi didn’t hold back while slamming the selectors for picking the discarded spin-bowling all-rounder.
“On what basis has he (Shadab Khan) been recalled? What are his performances in domestic cricket or otherwise that he has been picked again?” he added.
The Men in Greens are set to play a five match T20I series and three match ODI series against New Zealand starting on March 16.
With Babar Azam and Rizwan opted out for T20I squad for the series, Salman Ali Agha has been named as T20I captain. The first match of the T20I series will be played at Hagley Oval.
