Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi said on Thursday that it was a mistake to send injured Fakhar Zaman at number 4 during the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand at the Karachi stadium on Thursday.

Expressing his thoughts on Samaa TV programme, “Nadeem Malik Live”, Afridi believed that Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan should had opened against the Black Caps.

He lamented the induction of merely one specialist spinner into the squad. “We are going only with one specialist player, which is a mistake.”

Speaking about off-spinner Sajid Khan, who had a great outing in the red-ball format against England and the West Indies recently, Afridi said: “Pakistan should include Sajid Khan in to a 15-member squad.”

He rallied behind Mohammad Rizwan, saying, “Rizwan is the better of all the choices. I have greatly support Rizwan as the captain.”

Afridi urged all the fast bowlers to formulate a strategy along with Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.

Stressing the importance of the self-belief system, the former ace all-rounder said: “Our self-belief system help us clinch a win against India.”

“Pakistan will have to win the match against India to leave all of us silent,” said Afridi.

Shedding his light on the inclusion of opener Imamul Haq in place of Fakhar Zaman, Afridi said: “Fakhar Zaman was not fit so Imamul Haq deserves to be part of the Pakistan team.”

Afridi talked about his plan to form the cricket academy.