Pakistan’s showpiece fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, has approached the management and selectors not to consider him for the upcoming Test series. His decision is to make sure he does not overload himself with work and is able to get into the right form in readiness for the ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025.
Interim head coach and chief selector Aaqib Javed announced the squad for the two-Test series in South Africa with no place for Afridi. Javed said that they have been careful in managing the bowler Afridi with an eye towards getting him ready for the highly rated event.
With reference to the personal fitness and effective workload of Afridi, it can be concluded that the man-to-man compatibility leads towards his best output in the Champions Trophy. This strategic decision will make him avoid tiring himself, thus saving energy for the day, more so the main event. Pakistan’s team management and selectors have backed Afridi’s demand, indicating their concern for the best and elite physical and mental state of the player.
“The truth is Shaheen Afridi himself requested it.” – Reports
Pakistan’s star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has asked to be withdrawn from Test cricket and wants to play only in limited-over formats in the future. However, a new development shows that Afridi has been offered a handsome contract to join a team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He has discussed the proposal with the team management and board of the Pakistan cricket board.
Afridi has said he will organize his other commitments during the T20 league, which is to be held from December 30 to February 7. New-scenario gives a new insight on why Afridi decided to get out of the Test matches, preferring instead to be in BPL.
“The truth is Shaheen himself requested he not be considered for Test matches until the Champions Trophy is over,” a source said.