The cricket world was left in shock when Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s star fast bowler, was dropped from the national Test team for the second and third matches against England. The decision came as part of a major reshuffling following Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the first Test. Shaheen Afridi, along with three other key players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed was rested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), a move that has sparked considerable discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Shaheen Afridi’s response
Shaheen Shah Afridi took to social media to share his thoughts on being rested, posting a short yet positive message on Twitter. Nearly a day after the announcement, Afridi expressed his support for the national team, writing:
“Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We’re all cheering for you!”
Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We're all cheering for you! 🇵🇰 🙌👏#PakistanZindabad
— Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) October 14, 2024
PCB’s rationale behind changes
The decision to rest Shaheen and the other senior players wasn’t made lightly. According to Aqib Javed, a member of the men’s national selection committee, the choice to rotate the squad for the remaining two Test matches against England came after an emergency meeting held by the PCB. Several factors were considered, including player form, the need for a fresh approach after the defeat, and the grueling international schedule that lies ahead for Pakistan.
“Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule. With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” said Javed in a media release.
Shaheen has been a crucial figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack for several years, and his performances, both in limited-overs and Test cricket, have made him a household name. However, the selectors felt that giving him a break at this juncture would allow him to rest, recuperate, and return in top physical condition for future challenges.
Javed emphasized this point, noting that the break would help key players regain their “fitness, confidence, and composure,” and that this time away would ensure that they return in “top shape for future challenges.”
“We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges. They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger,” Javed added.
New faces in Pakistan’s test squad
With Afridi, Babar, Naseem, and Abrar out, Pakistan’s selectors have called upon a mix of fresh talent and experienced players to fill the gaps. The replacements include uncapped players Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, and Kamran Ghulam, alongside more seasoned campaigners such as Mohammad Ali and Sajid Khan. Additionally, Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who were part of the original first Test squad but were later released, have also been recalled.
This decision not only aims to introduce new blood into the team but also to inject a sense of unpredictability that could potentially give Pakistan an edge as they look to bounce back from their first Test loss.
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