Pakistan’s premier spinner Shaheen Afridi has been controversially dropped from the Test squad for the ongoing second and final Test against Bangladesh taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday, August 30.
Shaheen’s recent form has been a growing concern for Pakistan. Last year, the left-handed bowler managed to take just 14 wickets in four Test matches, averaging close to 40.
Shaheen Afridi to miss second Test match against Bangladesh
In the first Test of the ongoing home series against Bangladesh, he finished with figures of 2 for 96 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat.
Well, Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie did not reveal the reason behind Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad but he clearly hinted that they are not happy with his form with the ball.
Pakistan’s head coach revealed that Afridi is currently working on his bowling with Azhar Mahmood but did not share any further details. Gillespie had stated in the press conference: “Shaheen missed this game. We have had a good conversation with him and he fully understands and appreciates the reasoning behind it. Shaheen has had some feedback. He is working on some things with his bowling to be as effective as possible.”
Shaheen Afridi to be released from Pakistan squad amid Bangladesh Test series
Meanwhile, Afridi is said to have been released from the Pakistan team and even the team management has asked him to spend time with his family as he recently became a father of a baby.
A Pakistani reporter from Samaa TV claimed that Afridi will leave for Karachi to spend time with his family amid the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh at home.
Qadir Khawaja posted on X: “National team fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi may be released from the team; the team management has asked him to spend time with his family; Shaheen Shah Afridi will leave for Karachi to spend time with his family.”
National team fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi may be released from the team, the team management has asked him to spend time with his family, Shaheen Shah Afridi will leave for Karachi to spend time with his family #ShaheenShahAfridi #PakistanCricket #PAKvsBAN
– Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) August 30, 2024
Earlier, Babar Azam was seen inspecting the pitch along with Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Bangladesh coach Mushtaq Ahmed was also seen sharing some pleasant moments with Babar and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Afridi was also seen inspecting the Rawalpindi pitch ahead of the final match.
Pakistan and Bangladesh players stuck in hotel as rain cancels first day of second Test
However, there was no toss or play on the opening day of the second Test as the pitch was wet due to heavy rains that fell throughout the morning in Rawalpindi. As a result of the waterlogging, the umpires suspended play on the first day of the second Test on Friday.
Players and officials from Pakistan and Bangladesh teams remained in the hotel as the rain continued and the outdoor pitch was completely flooded. Both teams are currently in the bottom half of the 2023-25 WTC rankings, with Bangladesh ranked No. 7 and Pakistan No. 8.
