'Pakistan's First-Class cricket is third class' - Shahid Afridi blasts PCB after IND vs PAK Asia Cup loss

Devansh Poddar

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'Pakistan's First-Class cricket is third class' - Shahid Afridi blasts PCB after IND vs PAK Asia Cup loss image

Pakistan was handed yet another T20I defeat, as the reigning world champions, Team India, thrashed their neighbors by 7 wickets in a one-sided affair at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

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Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has now heavily criticized the PCB post Pakistan's defeat against India.

Afridi cited that the first-class structure in Pakistan is of third grade and is unable to provide the cricketers with all the requirements that are essential to perform at the highest level.

The first-class cricket in Pakistan is third-class, says Shahid Afridi

The PCB and the Pakistan cricket team have been under a lot of pressure in the last few years. The side's performance has consistently dipped with several senior players being dropped from the side.

A young Pakistan team, led by Salman Ali Agha, came into the Asia Cup with a lot of hope. The side started well against Oman, winning the game by 93 runs, but their happiness was short-lived as they were handed a crushing defeat by their arch-rivals, India.

Shahid Afridi has now blasted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the poor performances of the players. Afridi feels that the domestic system in Pakistan is not capable enough to produce world-class cricketers.

More: How many Asia Cup Player of the Match awards has Virat Kohli won? Complete list of matches revealed

Talking to Samaa TV, Afridi stated:

"These players are not at fault; where have they come from? They all have come from the domestic first-class cricket. First-class cricket's standard has now become third-class...We have been tired of talking about first-class cricket...You need to invest in first-class cricket; these kids come from there...you need to increase the standards of domestic cricket."

The Men In Green are in a transition phase. Their senior players and the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the team, and a new and youthful side is taking to the field.

What's next for Pakistan?

Post their defeat against India, Pakistan now faces a do-or-die match ahead of them. They will lock horns with the UAE on Wednesday, September 17, with the winner progressing to the next stage.

The game will be huge in terms of Pakistan cricket. While Pakistan will start as clear favorites against the home side, the unpredictable nature of T20I cricket cannot guarantee any result.

The Men In Green would look to win the upcoming encounter and enter the Super Fours stage, and from there on upgrade their game and lift the title of the Asia Cup 2025. 

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Devansh Poddar

Devansh Poddar is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition.