Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s premier pacer and a fan favorite, finds himself at the center of a controversy. Despite being in red-hot form, he was shockingly left out of Pakistan’s Test squad for the series against South Africa. This decision has sparked questions, debates, and even a few raised eyebrows in the cricketing world.
Let’s unpack the drama.
A Stellar ODI Series
Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the ODI series against South Africa. His fiery spells earned him seven wickets, the highest in the series, and played a huge role in Pakistan’s historic whitewash. Yet, when the Test squad was announced, his name was nowhere to be found.
Why? The official explanation was “workload management.” But there seems to be more to the story.
Read More: Mickey Arthur Isn’t Holding Back on Shaheen Afridi’s Test Snub
The Real Reason?
Before the squad announcement, Afridi reportedly received a call from one of the selectors. The message? Play a four-day match to prove his readiness for the Test series. For reasons not entirely clear, Afridi couldn’t participate. This decision was allegedly seen as “disobedience,” and the result was his exclusion from the Test side.
What’s puzzling is the inconsistency. Babar Azam also didn’t follow the same directive yet retained his place in the squad.
Tension in the Dressing Room?
Sources suggest a deeper issue—a growing dissatisfaction among players with one particular selector. Recently retired, this selector reportedly carries an overly authoritative attitude, even towards his former teammates.
Afridi, committed to red-ball cricket, was said to be deeply hurt by his exclusion. After the ODI series, he even offered to stay for the Tests if the management needed him. Strangely, no one followed up on his offer.
Pakistan’s pace attack in Centurion felt incomplete without a left-arm pacer. Despite having Mir Hamza, another talented left-arm bowler, he wasn’t included among the four pacers selected for the match. This decision left many scratching their heads.
Read More: Babar Azam Achieves Historic Milestone Against South Africa
Workload Management or Mixed Signals?
The decision to rest Afridi for the Tests under “workload management” doesn’t entirely add up. While the team management deemed him unfit for the gruelling Test series, they allowed him to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL, with an NOC allowing him to play five matches. If he’s fit enough for franchise cricket, why not Tests?
South Africa’s pace-friendly pitches are tailor-made for bowlers like Shaheen Afridi. His absence was felt not just in terms of skill but also the energy and aggression he brings to the field.
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