Shaheen Afridi outlines Pakistan’s strategic push for WTC Final glory
By Nawaz Gohar : Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has unveiled a long-term strategic vision for the national cricket team, placing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 final firmly in his sights. As the side prepares for an arduous red-ball season, Afridi has underscored that consistency in the longest format is not merely a goal, but the cornerstone of Pakistan’s cricketing revival.
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes two-match Test series against Bangladesh, the 26-year-old speedster emphasized that the team’s current standing—fluctuating between sixth and eighth in the rankings—is far from satisfactory. For Afridi, the mandate is clear: Pakistan must perform with ruthless consistency to reclaim its place among the global elite.
Addressing the media, Afridi articulated a philosophy that transcends individual series. He argued that success in the World Test Championship acts as a rising tide that lifts the team’s performance across all formats.
“We are not just looking at the upcoming Test series; our eyes are set on the World Test Championship final,” Afridi stated. “If our performance improves in Test cricket, that positive momentum will naturally permeate into our T20 and ODI campaigns. We are determined to play our best cricket consistently.”
The fast bowler acknowledged the challenge of the current cycle, noting that Pakistan is facing its most extensive red-ball schedule in recent memory. “This is a long Test season, perhaps unprecedented in its length. We are fully prepared for this grueling campaign and are ready to push our limits.”
As the team gears up for the series opener at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka (May 8–12), followed by the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (May 16–20), preparation has been meticulous.
Afridi noted that while Bangladesh has historically thrived on spin-friendly surfaces, Pakistan is leaving nothing to chance, bracing for both sluggish turners and lively “green tops.”
“Every team leverages home advantage, and we respect Bangladesh’s proficiency on spin tracks,” Afridi said. “However, our preparation has been all-encompassing. We have factored in the possibility of green wickets where our bowlers—like Abbas and Khurram—have shown outstanding potency, and we have equally prepared for spin conditions. The primary objective remains the same: we must focus on obtaining 20 wickets, regardless of the surface.”
The upcoming series represents a crucial junction for Pakistan, as the squad balances experience with youth under the captaincy of Shan Masood. The selectors have injected fresh vigor into the dressing room, with the inclusion of five uncapped players: Abdullah Fazal, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori.
Afridi believes this blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent is vital for the team’s evolution. “We are ready for every challenge. We know that consistency is the key, and with the squad we have, we are focused on executing our plans to perfection to ensure we climb the WTC table.”
As the Men in Green prepare to take the field in Dhaka, the message from the leadership group is clear: the road to the WTC final is long, but it begins with discipline, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the longest format of the game.
