Shaheen Afridi is Expected to be Unable to Participate

Shaheen Afridi will likely not be part of the next T20 series against New Zealand due to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) strategy.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to miss part of the next T20 series against New Zealand due to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) strategy of reducing unneeded stress on the best fast bowlers.

‘The News’ has learned that a consultation is underway to safeguard fast bowlers from needless burdens and to assess the form and fitness of newcomers. Those making a comeback are more likely to play in the series versus New Zealand.

“There is a chance that certain key fast bowlers, like Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be rested for the first half of the T20 series against New Zealand or for the entire home series against the tourists. 

The decision is related to fast bowlers’ workload, but it also has some hidden lessons for everyone who has expressed worry about the PCB’s recent decision. According to reports from the Kakul camp, Shaheen expressed surprise at the statement attributed to him by the Board. 

Shaheen Afridi’s statement about Babar Azam

Shaheen was cited as saying that as a player, it was important for him to support Babar Azam as captain. Before making such a comment, Shaheen reportedly expressed fear about not being taken seriously. 

“The PCB chairman, who paid a visit to Kakul (Abbottabad) on Monday, made it plain during a discussion with the cricketers that there would be no compromise on discipline. The captaincy selection was based on the Selection Committee’s recommendations, and it is in the best interests of the team and country. 

“I will never forget the times spent and the opportunity,” he remarked. “As a team player, I must support our captain, Babar Azam.” I’ve played under his captaincy and have nothing but admiration for him. I’ll strive to support him both on and off the field. We’re all one. Our goal remains the same: to help Pakistan become the best team in the world. 

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi repeatedly Focused to Bring back Shaheen Afridi

After a public process in which PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi repeatedly refused to support Shaheen, the PCB finally acknowledged that the fast bowler’s one-series spell as T20I captain had ended, appointing Babar as T20I and ODI captain once again.

With relationships within the squad obviously strained, the PCB issued a press release, with Shaheen and Babar issuing messages of support for each other in an attempt to put the entire incident behind them. 

Babar called it a pleasure to play under Shaheen Afridi  in that solitary New Zealand series

Babar said it was “a pleasure” to play under Shaheen in the one-off New Zealand series. “He is still young and is improving as a player and as a leader every day,” said Babar. “As a captain, I have always valued his perspective, and I will continue to speak with him on crucial matters going forward. We must make use of his strategic knowledge of the game.”

While the move is impossible to interpret as anything other than a sudden loss of faith in Shaheen’s leadership ability, the PCB blamed the captaincy change on workload management.

“While Shaheen Afridi has indisputably established himself as a top fast bowler, leading Pakistan’s pace attack throughout the years, the board acknowledges the value of rotation and recuperation in maintaining his peak performance. This decision is consistent with the board’s commitment to ensuring the lifespan of its players, particularly fast bowlers, considering their injury histories over the last two years.” 

The PCB commended Afridi for his achievements as captain, noting that Babar’s captaincy record spoke for itself, and that he will be part of “the leadership group” going forward.

Conclusion

Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the next T20 series against New Zealand owing to workload management has raised questions about his leadership ability and the PCB’s decision-making process. 

Despite public tensions and captaincy changes, both Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have professed mutual respect and support for each other, wanting to move on from the event. 

Pakistani Cricket Squad for New Zealand t20 Series

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