Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has sent a clear message to his team ahead of the highly anticipated three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting in Rawalpindi. Fresh off a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over South Africa, Afridi emphasized that the pressure to perform and secure wins is not just on star players such as Shaheen, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, or Saim Ayub—it’s a collective responsibility that every member of the squad must shoulder.
Team Accountability Over Individual Brilliance
Afridi, who recently took over the ODI captaincy following a disappointing run for Pakistan in 2025, highlighted the need for unity and mutual support on the field. “All the players should take responsibility,” Afridi said. “It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job—we all should do our best. We should even back those players who are not performing and always believe that we can perform as a team.” His comments signal a shift from reliance on individual stars toward building depth and resilience throughout the lineup.
Recent Form and Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s ODI performance this year included a series of tough losses, resulting in significant changes in team leadership. However, Afridi praised the energy and intent shown during the South Africa series, specifically acknowledging the performances of young batter Saim Ayub and contributions from Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. As they face a confident Sri Lankan side, captained by Charith Asalanka and ranked one spot above Pakistan in the world ODI standings, Pakistan looks to prepare batting-friendly wickets to neutralize Sri Lanka’s strong spin attack.
The Road Forward
The ODI series, all set in Rawalpindi, will test the hosts’ progress and team cohesion. Afterward, both teams move into a T20 tri-series with Zimbabwe, making this a crucial stretch for squad building and momentum on the international stage. Afridi’s commitment to teamwork and support for every player sets a tone of unity and accountability, essential for Pakistan’s ambitions in the coming months.