Karachi, April 15, 2024 – Pakistan’s cricket fans may have to wait a bit longer to see their star pacer, Shaheen Afridi, in action as reports suggest that he is likely to be sidelined for the first two matches of the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
This decision is part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) rotation policy aimed at managing player workload ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled for June.
Shaheen Afridi, known for his fiery pace and lethal swing, has been instrumental in Pakistan’s bowling attack for years. However, the PCB seems keen on preserving his fitness and form by giving him adequate rest and rotation. While Shaheen will miss the initial encounters, he is set to return for the last three matches of the series.
The recent change in captaincy, with Babar Azam taking over the T20I reins from Shaheen Afridi, raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. The PCB clarified that the decision was strategic, primarily focusing on player well-being and performance optimization.
In a statement, the PCB emphasized, “While Shaheen has undeniably proven himself as a star fast bowler, leading Pakistan’s pace attack over the years, the board recognizes the importance of rotation and rest to maintain his peak performance.”
The board further elaborated on the rationale behind the decision, citing instances from past tournaments where injury concerns had plagued the team. They pointed out the need to prevent a similar scenario, especially with crucial tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 in recent memory.
Pakistan’s squad for the series against New Zealand boasts a blend of experience and youth, with players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi leading the charge. The inclusion of promising talents like Naseem Shah underscores the team’s depth in bowling resources.
Here is the complete squad for Pakistan:
• Babar Azam (c)
• Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
• Saim Ayub
• Usman Khan
• Iftikhar Ahmed
• Azam Khan (wk)
• Imad Wasim
• Shadab Khan
• Shaheen Afridi
• Naseem Shah
• Mohammad Amir
• Abbas Afridi
• Abrar Ahmed
• Fakhar Zaman
• Irfan Khan Niazi
• Usama Mir
• Zaman Khan
Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
On the other hand, New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, is expected to put up a formidable challenge. With players like Finn Allen, Adam Milne, and Jimmy Neesham in their ranks, they promise to provide stiff competition to the Pakistani side.
Here is the New Zealand squad:
• Michael Bracewell (c)
• Finn Allen
• Mark Chapman
• Josh Clarkson
• Jacob Duffy
• Dean Foxcroft
• Ben Lister
• Cole McConchie
• Adam Milne
• Jimmy Neesham
• Will O’Rourke
• Tim Robinson
• Ben Sears
• Tim Seifert (WK)
• Ish Sodhi
As cricket enthusiasts gear up for an exciting series, all eyes will be on how Pakistan manages their resources, especially with the strategic decision surrounding Shaheen Afridi’s participation. The series promises thrilling contests, showcasing the best of T20 cricket from both sides.
