Pakistani quick bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi gestures after taking a wicket throughout a Take a look at match. —AFP/File
Pakistani star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, one among 4 gamers rested by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the second and the third Take a look at matches towards England, on Monday bucked up the nationwide squad in a passionate shoutout.
The PCB rested key gamers, together with former skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen, pacer Naseem Shah, and wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, “in the best interest of Pakistan cricket”.
“Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We’re all cheering for you!” mentioned Shaheen Shah in a submit on X.
The board’s clarification got here because it introduced a 16-member squad for the second and third Assessments towards England, following the staff’s humiliating loss within the first Take a look at by an innings and 47 runs.
The aforementioned gamers, the PCB introduced, have been changed by Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, quick bowler Mohammad Ali, off-spinner Sajid Khan, and the uncapped Kamran Ghulam.
Noman Ali and Zahid Mehmood, who have been a part of the unique first Take a look at squad however have been subsequently launched, have additionally been included within the 16-member squad as leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed stays unavailable for the second Take a look at on account of restoration from dengue fever.
Increasing on the choice, the PCB spokesperson famous that choosing the squad for the upcoming Assessments towards England had been a difficult activity for the selectors. He highlighted the necessity to think about present gamers’ type, the urgency to bounce again within the collection, and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 worldwide schedule.
He added that the board was providing alternatives to younger and home performers to showcase their expertise towards a formidable England aspect.
“The PCB believes that each of Haseebullah, Mehran, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Ali, Noman, Sajid, and Zahid can rise to the occasion and serve the team in the remaining two Tests,” he added, emphasising the PCB’s concentrate on growing the subsequent technology of Take a look at gamers. This collection presents a great alternative to induct younger expertise.
The Shan Masood-led aspect is about to tackle England within the second Take a look at of the three-match collection, which commences on October 15 (tomorrow) on the Multan Cricket Stadium.
