The Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh is out, and it’s already sparking debate. While the focus should have been on the fresh names, it’s the notable absentees making headlines. Most prominent among them is Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Basit Ali Speaks Up
Former cricketer Basit Ali didn’t hold back his surprise and frustration over Shaheen’s omission. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Basit posted a picture of the left-arm pacer with a blunt but powerful caption:
“Why is he not in the team?”
And honestly, he’s not the only one asking.
Shaheen’s Recent Form Says It All
Shaheen’s last T20I appearance came earlier this year during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. Since then, he’s been in red-hot form. In the recently concluded PSL 10, he was not just good, he was outstanding.
Leading Lahore Qalandars to their third title, Shaheen Shah Afridi bagged 19 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 16.42, finishing as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. If there were ever a time he looked ready to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack again, it’s now.
A Glimpse at the New-Look Squad
Pakistan have announced a 15-member squad for the three-match series, set to be played in Dhaka on 20, 22 and 24 July.
The squad sees a number of fresh or returning faces, including Hassan Nawaz, Ahmed Daniyal and Salman Mirza, while more experienced campaigners like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen himself have not been picked.
That said, it’s not a complete exclusion. Shaheen, along with Babar, Rizwan, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr., has been called up to attend a white-ball and pre-series camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 9 to 15 July.
Whether that’s an indication of rotation, rest or a more permanent change in plans, that remains to be seen.
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