Srinagar: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has advised youngsters in Pakistan team to earn respect of fans by performing well for the team and they should always be ready for the criticism.
Ahead of T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan lost seven match T20 series against England and fans were seen chanting Parchi Parchi chants towards Khushdil Shah.
“See, there is no doubt that when you give consistent performances, the crowd will worship you. Poor form comes in every players’ life, and criticism is a part of it. But in the end, you will have to make a comeback. Everyone is expecting fours and sixes from you in the lower order and if you don’t perform for 5-6 matches in a row despite being a main player in the team, then you will have to be ready for criticism,” Afridi told Samaa TV.
“You have to face criticism in international cricket. You have to convert it into good performances. A player is tested in international cricket. If you have talent but you are not brave enough, you can’t face the challenges.”
Shahid Afridi in the same show while reacting to anchor pointing out that Pakistan cricketers aren’t very receptible towards criticism, said, “Achhe kapde pehenke banda achha toh lag jaata hai, but asal cheez toh performance hain. Baalo me conditioning karke taiyaar hone se kuch nahi hota. Asal cheez performances hain. Performance aapko khoobsurat banaati hai. International cricket is all about pressure, aur depend karta hai players pe, ki kaise vo pressure handle karte hain (You can wear good clothes and apply hair conditioner all you want, but in the end, it’s your performances that matter. International cricket is all about pressure and it depends on the players on how they handle it.),”.
“Ye dileri ki cricket hai. Agar aap andar se tagde honge, aap har cheez ko face kar sakte hain. Aapki best cheez performances hain. Agar aapko har match me chance mil raha hai, aapko perform karna padega (You have to be brave. If you are strong, you can face any situation. If you are getting chances in every match, you will have to perform.”
The Pakistan team is currently in New Zealand where the side will take part in a tri-series involving Bangladesh.
