Harry Brooks inflicted as much damage on the Pakistan team as Pakistan’s fickle minded approach with the white ball during the other half of the game. If you thought this was the reason that led to the sub continental force’s downfall at Sri Lanka, recently, then it’s half the truth.

Probably Babar Azam caused more harm with the bat as well. But this isn’t us saying it; it’s one of Pakistan’s premier and current cricketers whose recent statement alleged to this very realisation.

So what can one say. For where it comes to Pakistan cricket, things don’t remain with Pakistan and what they do or did on the cricketing turf (aka the 22 yards); the action tends to spread out and reach the media’s fold at venues such as press conferences. Which is what happened a few hours ago during the recently completed Pakistan versus England game.  

And what led to that? Blunt criticism by one of Babar Azam’s own by one of his closest teammates- Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The Pakistan vs England encounter may have ended on the field, but the post-match conversation quickly shifted to the press conference room. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi made a candid remark regarding Babar Azam’s innings, triggering discussion among fans and analysts. During the press conference, a journalist suggested that Babar was building a partnership before getting out. In response, Shaheen said: “A partnership means you need someone to hit boundaries and rotate strike.

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In T20, you need eight runs per over.” The statement, though brief, carried weight. In modern T20 cricket, scoring rate is often as important as preserving wickets.

While building partnerships is crucial, maintaining momentum through regular boundaries and smart strike rotation is equally vital. Shaheen’s comment appeared to underline the demands of the shortest format — where teams aim to keep the run rate above eight per over to remain competitive.

The left arm pacer’s words have since sparked debate over Pakistan’s batting approach and the balance between anchoring the innings and accelerating when required. Whether it was a moment of frustration or a straightforward tactical observation, the remark has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to Pakistan’s campaign moving forward.