'You are trying to be Shahid Afridi': Afridi slams Pakistan for copying him after humiliating loss against India

Shahid Afridi slams Pakistan batters following loss against India. (Photo: X)

Following their humiliating seven-wicket defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi launched a scathing critique of the national team’s performance.

Visibly frustrated, Afridi pulled no punches as he slammed Pakistan’s lacklustre bowling and fragile batting lineup, singling out opener Saim Ayub for what he described as a careless and irresponsible approach at the crease.

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"These batsmen have to score runs to win matches," on Samaa TV, Afridi thundered during a discussion. "Saim Ayub should keep his mind cool, tell him to keep his mind cool. Look at the condition, look at the pitch, play the first ball. You are trying to become Shahid Afridi from the first ball."

The team management's choice to rest frontline pacers for such a crucial match was questioned by the former all-rounder, who was similarly dissatisfied with the bowling unit.

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"The genuine fast bowlers have been given rest. This half-hearted attack will not work against India. At the moment, there is not a single batsman in this team who can bring victory," Afridi added.

Their incapacity to manage India's spinners added to Pakistan's problems. Varun Chakaravarthy, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav had the batters in knots; Kuldeep finished with 3/18. Pakistan collapsed to 127/9 in 20 overs after playing 63 dot balls overall.

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram acknowledged that Kuldeep's variations really outplayed Pakistan's young batters.

"They can't read him. Sunny bhai himself said, unless and until you read him from the hand, you won't be able to understand that type of bowling. When they sweep against Kuldeep every second ball, it means you are not reading him," Akram said on Sony Sports.

India easily reached the target, winning in 15.5 overs, powered by birthday boy Suryakumar Yadav's undefeated 47. Abhishek Sharma set the tone for a dominating chase with a blazing 31 off 13 balls.

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar exacerbated Pakistan's grievances by sarcastically referring to them as a "Popatwadi team"—a far cry, he claimed, from the proud Pakistani teams he had grown up admiring.

Pakistan's loss has damaged their campaign and spurred a discussion over the entire direction of their cricket, with Afridi, Akram, and Gavaskar all voicing serious concerns.