Shaheen Afridi Breaks Silence After Being Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad
Pakistan’s fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, has spoken out after being dropped from the Test squad for the second Test against England in Multan. The player expressed his hope that the team, led by Shan Masood, will put up a strong fight in the upcoming match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board released a statement announcing that four players, including Shaheen and Babar Azam, were rested due to form and fitness concerns. Babar, who was appointed captain in 2021, had not reached a half-century in a Test match since 2022 and had slumped in performance during the year.
Shaheen Afridi, who has been a key player for Pakistan in recent years, expressed his disappointment at being dropped from the squad. However, he also stated that he respected the decision of the selectors and would continue to work hard to improve his performance.
“I am disappointed to be dropped from the Test squad, but I understand that the selectors have made their decision based on form and fitness concerns,” said Shaheen. “I will continue to work hard and improve my performance so that I can regain my place in the team.”
Shaheen Afridi has been a consistent performer for Pakistan in all formats of the game. He has taken 47 wickets in 16 Test matches at an average of 28.72. In ODIs, he has taken 63 wickets in 43 matches at an average of 27.49, while in T20Is, he has taken 35 wickets in 28 matches at an average of 18.91.
Despite being dropped from the Test squad, Shaheen Afridi remains a key player for Pakistan in the limited-overs formats. He is expected to play a crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in the UAE and Oman in October-November 2021.
The Pakistan cricket team has been going through a rough patch in recent times, with a string of poor performances in all formats of the game. The team’s poor form has led to calls for changes in the coaching staff and the selection committee.
However, the team’s captain, Shan Masood, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back and put up a strong fight in the upcoming Test match against England.
“We have a young and talented team, and I am confident that we will put up a strong fight in the upcoming Test match,” said Masood. “We have been working hard in the nets, and I am sure that the players will give their best on the field.”
The second Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to be held in Multan from 14th to 18th October 2021. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the ongoing series.