Picture Credit: X
Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi extended his support to selectors’ decision of dropping key players from the squad for the remaining two Test matches against England. Recently, the newly recruited selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the new squad for the second and third Tests against England. The squad came as a surprise to all as key players including former skipper Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Sarfaraz Ahmed were dropped.
The new selection committee consisting of names like Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema and advisor Bilal Afzal said that the players have been rested instead of being dropped. In a statement, Aqib Javed said, “We've made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges.”
Shahid Afridi welcomes PCB’s decision of dropping key players
Former Pakistan spinner Shahid Afridi, who also happens to be the father-in-law of Shaheen Afridi, welcomed the decision and said that the decision will prolong the careers of the players. Not only this, but he also added that it will allow PCB to test and groom new talents. On his X handle, Afridi wrote, "Supporting the selectors' decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket.”
The 47-year-old added, “This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench strength for the future.” Meanwhile, several reports suggest that Pakistan captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie won’t have final say in the team’s selection or the playing XI as PCB’s selectors have cut down their powers.
