Champions Trophy 2025: Under-fire Pakistan Coaching Staff Blames Shaheen Afridi for Ignoring Instructions During India Clash - Report

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A Pakistan coaching staff has pointed fingers at star pacer Shaheen Afridi for not adhering to team instructions during the crucial Champions Trophy 2025 match against India, reported local media.

Pakistan's campaign ended in disappointment after first-round exits, following defeats to New Zealand and India, with further criticism now emerging over player performances and decision-making.

In a recent PCB meeting, selectors and officials discussed the team's failures, with particular scrutiny on Afridi's bowling tactics. According to a report by Pakistan Cricket, one of the officials expressed frustration that Afridi chose to operate differently despite being instructed to bowl yorkers, which reportedly impacted Pakistan's chances. The criticism adds to the growing debate about the team's approach in the tournament, where inconsistent performances and strategic missteps were on full display.

The aftermath of Pakistan's exit has largely focused on coaching staff and selectors, with concerns that they will bear the brunt of the fallout while players remain unaffected.

Reports suggest that after the defeat to India, captain Mohammad Rizwan attempted to console the team, stating that while losing was part of the game, it would be the management -- selectors and coaches -- who would face consequences rather than the players. This remark did not sit well with higher authorities, leading to intense scrutiny over leadership decisions and team dynamics.

Shaheen Afridi, along with fellow pacer Haris Rauf, has been under fire despite their past One-Day International (ODI) successes. Both were instrumental in Pakistan's series wins in Australia and South Africa, with Haris taking 10 wickets in Australia and Shaheen finishing as the highest wicket-taker in South Africa.

However, their performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 were deemed insufficient, leading to their exclusion from further ODI plans. Some experts argue that the duo could have been more effective in different conditions, particularly in New Zealand, rather than being hastily dismissed as unsuitable for the format.

Meanwhile, selection policies continue to face backlash, particularly regarding Babar Azam's omission from the squad. A former ICC T20 Team of the Year member, Babar was sidelined due to concerns over his strike rate, yet his replacement, Salman Ali Agha, has struggled, averaging just 10 runs across six T20Is with a poor strike rate of 79.

As Pakistan cricket grapples with another disappointing tournament exit, questions remain over selection strategies, leadership choices, and the future direction of the team.