Afridi urges PCB to focus on grassroots level

Former T20 skipper Shahid Afridi is worried that there is serious dearth of 'real talent' in the country's domestic structure and asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to focus on basics, specially at the grassroots level.

Afridi, who stepped down as the national T20 captain last month after the team's disappointing performance at the Asia Cup and World Twenty20, urged the PCB to shift their focus to school cricket.

"The way I see it right now we don't have that much real talent in the background. I can't pinpoint any young player with certainty. I think the Board needs to pay attention to school cricket and work at grassroot level," the flamboyant all-rounder was quoted as saying by 'Geo Super channel'.

Afridi, who was overlooked from the month-long training camp, announced for the tour to England on Monday, said he had already informed the board about his non-availability.

"I am just focussing on T20 cricket and I had informed the board about my commitment in English county cricket this summer. But I will obviously work

hard on my form and fitness in order to make the Pakistan team," Afridi said.

The selection committee, headed by former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq also said Afridi was not dropped and would be considered for future T20 assignments. Pakistan plays just one T20 in England and two more against the West Indies in the UAE in October.

The 36-year-old seems to be on the same page as the selection committee, which decided to drop Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal on disciplinary grounds and asked the youngsters to work harder on their game.

"I don't know why they are dropped but if discipline is the reason than obviously they need to pay attention to this and work harder on their cricket. I also agree that there should be no compromise on discipline and it is time to give young players a chance," he added.

--IANS

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