Pakistan’s defeat in the ODI series against Bangladesh has triggered strong criticism from former internationals, with questions raised about the team’s selection policies and broader direction following a difficult run in international cricket.
The Shaheen Shah Afridi-led side lost the three-match series 2–1 after Bangladesh secured an 11-run victory in the deciding third ODI in Dhaka. Reacting to the result in a video posted on his social media account, Former Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi placed responsibility on the National Selection Committee and criticised several recent decisions shaping the team.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) March 15, 2026
Afridi questions Pakistan selection decisions after series loss
Pakistan’s struggles in 2026 have included an early exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup before the team travelled to Bangladesh for the ODI series. Afridi said the combination of results has exposed deeper problems in the way the squad has been assembled.
“You saw the performances in the 2026 T20 World Cup, and after that we also lost the Bangladesh series 2–1. In my opinion, the selection committee deserves criticism. All of you in the committee have played so much cricket, yet you still don’t seem to have the idea of who should be the captain for which format,” Shahid Afridi said in a video posted on his social media account.
The former all-rounder also criticised what he described as frequent experimentation with the squad under the banner of rebuilding the side.
“You keep making too many decisions in the name of ‘surgery’. What you are doing is picking youngsters and players who have barely played a few first-class matches. Your domestic cricket is not even of the standard that it can consistently produce players ready to secure a place in the Pakistan team,” he added.
Afridi further argued that experienced players with strong ODI records were sidelined despite their proven performances in the format.
“The senior players who actually deserved their place — even if they didn’t have strong T20 performances — had very good records in ODIs. But in the name of ‘surgery’, you sidelined those experienced players despite their solid ODI performances,” he continued.
Afridi ultimately argued that Pakistan’s issues stem from the decision-making process of the National Selection Committee rather than the players themselves.
“You keep handing out Pakistan caps again and again — this is not surgery. If anything, the real surgery should be done on the selection committee,” he said.
Bangladesh seal series despite Pakistan’s late fight in Dhaka
Bangladesh secured the series victory after posting 290–5 in the deciding match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Opening batter Tanzid Hasan struck his maiden ODI century, scoring 107, while Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on 48 and Litton Das contributed 41 to guide the hosts to a competitive total.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase faltered early when they lost three wickets within the opening overs. Salman Ali Agha later led a recovery effort with 106 from 98 balls, his third ODI century, while Shaheen Shah Afridi added 37 lower down the order.
Despite the late resistance, Pakistan were bowled out for 279, falling 11 runs short of the target and handing Bangladesh the series.
Bangladesh Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz described the contest as a strong performance from his side during the post-match press conference.
“Definitely (it) was an excellent match,” Mehidy Hasan Miraz said at the post-match press conference.
Reflecting on the conditions and the role of his top-order batter, Miraz highlighted the contribution of Tanzid Hasan’s century in shaping the result.
“It was an excellent wicket and if we got 300 it would be better, but we are playing well, especially the way Tanzid batted,” he added.
Kamran Akmal criticises Pakistan cricket leadership
The defeat also prompted criticism from Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who discussed the result on the YouTube show The Game Plan, featuring Basit Ali and hosted by Najeeb Al Hasnain.
🚨 "ICC TROPHIES KYA CHOR KE LAANI HAI?"
Kamran Akmal takes a swipe at PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, notorious for stealing India's Asia Cup trophy.
"Even Netherlands might be thinking let's have a 3 match series with Pakistan and defeat them. We will become a test playing nation." pic.twitter.com/MjCH4ULQmu
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) March 15, 2026
Akmal suggested Pakistan’s overall standards had declined significantly following the series loss.
“The condition is such that now even Netherlands would want to play a series against us, then beat us and get Test status. This is the condition of Pakistan cricket now,” Kamran Akmal said on the YouTube show The Game Plan.
He also argued that Bangladesh’s total was not beyond Pakistan’s reach.
“They (Bangladesh) could have easily scored 350 today, but scored only 290. Litton Das played slowly. Even then we lost,” he added.
Akmal further took a swipe at Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, referencing controversy surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup trophy after India’s victory in that tournament.
“If you don’t beat teams in matches, will you now steal ICC trophies and bring them home?” he said.
The series result adds further pressure on Pakistan as the team continues its rebuilding phase following the T20 World Cup campaign earlier in the year.
