Just days before Pakistan locks horns with Sri Lanka in a pivotal three-match ODI series, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi dropped a truth bomb that resonated across the cricketing world. “It’s not Shaheen’s job, Fakhar’s job, Babar’s job, or Saim’s job—it’s everybody’s job,” he declared, setting the tone for a team-first mentality that could define Pakistan’s 2025 resurgence .
This isn’t just a pep talk—it’s a cultural reset. After a rollercoaster year marked by inconsistency and underperformance, Afridi is drawing a line in the sand. The upcoming Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs aren’t just another bilateral series; they’re a litmus test for a new era of accountability, hunger, and collective ownership.
Table of Contents
- Afridi’s Bold Message to the Team
- Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Series Preview
- Why Pakistan Needs Consistency Now More Than Ever
- Sri Lanka: Form and Home Advantage
- What to Expect: Pitches, Tactics & Key Battles
- Conclusion: The Making of a New Pakistan?
- Sources
Afridi’s Bold Message to the Team
Fresh off a hard-fought victory over South Africa, Pakistan’s new captain is refusing to rest on his laurels. Afridi’s warning is a direct response to a long-standing issue in Pakistan cricket: over-reliance on individual stars. For years, fans and analysts have pointed to the pressure placed on players like Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan to carry the team—a burden that often led to collective collapse when those stars faltered.
By stating that success is “everybody’s job,” Afridi is dismantling that narrative. He’s empowering role players, demanding contributions from every position—whether it’s a middle-order batter stabilizing a collapse, a lower-order hitter accelerating, or a fielder saving crucial runs. This shift aligns with modern ODI strategies where depth and adaptability win tournaments, not just heroics from the top three.
This mindset is critical as Pakistan eyes redemption after a turbulent 2024–2025 cycle that saw early exits in major events and fluctuating performances across formats. Afridi, now at the helm in limited-overs cricket, is positioning himself as a leader who leads by expectation, not just by example.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs: Series Preview
The three-match ODI series kicks off on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, in Colombo—the first of what promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Both teams are using this series as crucial preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup qualifiers.
Pakistan arrives with renewed confidence after their series win against South Africa, where young guns like Saim Ayub and veterans like Imam-ul-Haq showed resilience. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is riding high on recent victories and currently holds a higher position in the ICC ODI rankings—a testament to their improved stability under coach Chris Silverwood .
With Pakistan’s current ODI squad blending youth and experience, and Sri Lanka fielding a confident unit led by Charith Asalanka, this series offers a fascinating tactical duel.
Why Pakistan Needs Consistency Now More Than Ever
Pakistan’s talent has never been in question. The problem? Translating potential into sustained results. In 2024, they beat top teams one week and lost to minnows the next. This Jekyll-and-Hyde nature cost them crucial ranking points and fan trust.
Afridi’s leadership is being judged on one metric: consistency. The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs provide the perfect platform to prove they’ve turned a corner. A series win would:
- Boost ICC ODI rankings ahead of major tournaments
- Validate Afridi’s new accountability-driven culture
- Build momentum for the 2026 home season
- Reassure selectors about bench strength beyond star names
Failure to deliver, however, could signal that old habits die hard—and that Pakistan’s golden generation is still squandering its potential.
Sri Lanka: Form and Home Advantage
Don’t underestimate the hosts. Sri Lanka has been on an upward trajectory, recently defeating strong opponents with a balanced attack and aggressive middle order. Their spin trio—led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—thrives in subcontinental conditions, and their openers have shown improved composure.
Moreover, the matches are expected to be played on batting-friendly pitches in Colombo and Kandy, which could favor Sri Lanka’s explosive stroke-makers like Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis . While high-scoring games benefit batters, they also test bowling discipline—an area where Pakistan must prove its mettle without leaning solely on Shaheen’s new-ball brilliance.
What to Expect: Pitches, Tactics & Key Battles
Given the expected batting-friendly surfaces, both teams will likely prioritize:
- Powerplay aggression: Expect openers to target the first 10 overs.
- Death bowling precision: With flat tracks, yorkers and variations will be crucial.
- Fielding intensity: Every run saved could be the difference in a 320+ chase.
Key matchups to watch:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Pathum Nissanka: New-ball duel that could set the tone.
- Babar Azam vs Wanindu Hasaranga: A masterclass in timing vs spin mastery.
- Saim Ayub vs Maheesh Theekshana: Young blood testing unorthodox spin.
For real-time updates and official series details, fans can refer to the ICC’s official cricket portal.
Conclusion: The Making of a New Pakistan?
Shaheen Afridi’s message is more than just words—it’s the foundation of a new identity for Pakistan cricket. The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ODIs will reveal whether this squad is ready to move beyond individual brilliance and embrace collective responsibility. With high stakes, home advantage for Sri Lanka, and reputations on the line, this series promises intense cricket, tactical innovation, and a clear signal of where both teams stand on the road to the next World Cup.
Sources
- Times of India: Pak captain warns players: ‘It’s not Shaheen, Fakhar, Babar, or Saim’s job’
- ICC ODI Team Rankings and match previews (2025)
- Cricinfo and ESPN reports on Sri Lanka’s recent ODI performances
- BCCI and PCB official series announcements