Former Pakistan Fast Bowler Says Salman Mirza Deserves a Chance Over Shaheen Afridi

Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has openly criticized the national selection panel for overlooking in-form bowler Salman Mirza while continuing to back Shaheen Afridi, following Pakistan’s heavy defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking on Geo News’ special show Haarna Mana Hai, Amir did not hold back while discussing Pakistan’s bowling strategy and team combination.

Amir said Salman Mirza has consistently delivered whenever given an opportunity.

“I’ve been saying for a while, Salman Mirza, your in-form bowler, has been performing since the first match. In every series, whenever he got a chance, he delivered. Shaheen is not performing in this World Cup, he hasn’t been giving impactful performances for a long time,” Amir said.

While acknowledging Shaheen’s ability, Amir stressed that reputation cannot replace performance.

“No disrespect, he’s a very good bowler with potential, but at the end of the day, performance matters. Take out all of Shaheen’s ICC events except the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he had an impact, besides that, show me a single ICC event where Shaheen performed impactfully, and I will admit it,” he added.

Amir pointed out that inconsistent performances across the squad prevent Pakistan from building a proper team balance.

“When the performance of all your players goes up and down, you can’t create the right combination. And when the right combination isn’t formed, your team can never perform,” he said.

He also criticized the way Faheem Ashraf is being utilized. “You made Faheem a fielding all-rounder. You neither give him bowling nor proper batting opportunities, so why is he playing? If he’s not bowling, then you might as well play Fakhar,” Amir remarked.

Amir further highlighted Pakistan’s batting weaknesses and said responsibility should not fall only on selectors.

“When you know your batting is weak, why not strengthen it by giving extra chances to your batsmen? Wrong decisions from the start create huge debates. You can blame the system, Aqib Javed, or the selectors, that’s fine. But the coach, who leads the team and plans strategy, should also be held accountable,” he stated.