Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Afridi has opened up about his absence in the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year. The left-arm pacer had faced severe criticism for missing the game at the time with reports stating that he himself had opted not to play the third and final Test of the series.

Pakistan had already conceded the series after losing the first two matches and needed to win the Sydney Test to avoid a whitewash. His task was further complicated because Shaheen Afridi was not available for the match. Later, Pakistan’s then team manager Mohammad Hafeez revealed that Afridi had approached him asking him to take a break from the third Test.

However, Afridi has now revealed that he was not fit to play. He also revealed that he did not decide to miss the game but that the team management and the medical panel decided to rest him due to future assignments.

“I didn’t skip that Test match. It was the decision of the team management and the medical panel because there was a lot of T20 cricket ahead of me. It was their way of managing my workload.

“If I had played that match, I might not have been seen with the team now as my back and knees had become very stiff. Test cricket has always been my priority because that is the format that will get you recognition “. Shaheen Afridi told Cricwick.

Shaheen Afridi on bowling speed:

Shaheen Afridi also addressed the criticism surrounding her pacing. Many believe that injury setbacks have taken their toll on the pacer’s speed. However, the Pakistani star believes that his speed has not slowed down as he said:

“I don’t think my pace has gone down. I got a little faster in 2021. However, if you look at my debut, I have always clocked around 140 kmph with the new ball. Everyone will praise you when you pick wickets. And when you don’t you do it, people will try to point out negative things.

Afridi is currently in the US for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan has had a poor start to the campaign and is in danger of being eliminated in the group stage. They have won only one of their first three games and need to win the final group game to stay in contention for a spot in the Super 8s.