Cricket: Playing for Pakistan has become too easy, says former captain Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi feels playing for the national team has become way too easy and the players should only be picked after spending at least a couple of seasons in domestic cricket.

Speaking at a function, Afridi hit out at the selection policy adopted for the national team for red and white ball formats.

He was particularly critical of the way players were changed and debuted in the Pakistan white balls squads.

“It has become so easy to play for the national team whereas in the past playing for the Pakistan team was the ultimate for any professional cricketer,” Afridi said.

He said the pathway into the Pakistan team had become so easy that even players with little domestic cricket exposure were rushed into the side and then dropped and shunned in the same way.

“That is why our performances are not consistent with the amount of cricket we play in Pakistan.”

The popular all-rounder felt that each player must be given at least two or three years exposure in the domestic circuit before he is considered for the national squad.

“Why have we made it so really easy for players to represent their country. I am sad to see that a player gives one or two good performances in domestic cricket…

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