A major update in Pakistan cricket is that the pace sensation Shaheen Afridi has agreed to play in the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh. Geo Super which is considered one of the leading media agencies hailing from Pakistan reported that the left-arm pacer has already conveyed to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) his preparedness to play in the crucial Test series to be held next month.
This announcement has received a lot of applause and joy from many fans and selectors who are looking forward to seeing him play again. This will come as a major decision arising at a time when there has been a lot of criticism towards the Pakistan cricket team after a poor showing at the just-ended T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States.
Numerous scandals claiming the young cricketer of misconduct behavior coupled with an exchange of blows with the batting coach Mohammad Yousuf did not hinder Shaheen from being keen on playing in the series. His presence will help strengthen Pakistan’s bowling, which is a major boost as they get set for the very intensive Test series against Bangladesh.
Controversy and backlash
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Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is currently serving the ‘hit list’ after the team’s poor show in the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States.
He was criticized a lot over the issues involving lobbying and unethical conduct. Larger papers also wrote of Shaheen Afridi threatening his batsmen, including Pakistan’s batting coach Mohammad Yousuf, on the team’s tour of the UK before the World Cup.
During the raging controversy, stories started to circulate about possible severe repercussions awaiting Shaheen Afridi, the PCB might leave him out of the Bangladesh home series. But negating all such hypotheses, Shaheen Afridi has expressed his desire to play in the series and thereby made himself fit for the selection.
This could also be taken as an effort to bring in a new change after the controversies that have been experienced in the past few weeks, months, or years in an attempt to be part of the solution in moving forward in the improvement of the team.
Leadership Challenges
When Babar Azam stepped down as captain, Shaheen Afridi was appointed captain of the side for T20I cricket only. Unfortunately, his first tournament as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team turned out to be an unlucky one as the Pakistan cricketers succumbed to a 4-1 draw while playing in New Zealand.
His struggles went on in the next season of PSL 2024 with Lahore Qalandars, and that was why Babar Azam was reappointed to Pakistan’s white ball captaincy on the eve of the World Cup.
According to news updates, a select few predicted that Shan Masood would remain the Test captain of Pakistan. On the other hand, chances and changes are expected, and the PCB is about to make the final decision on Babar Azam’s captaincy position. It will be a vital series ahead of the ENG vs.
BAN series, where not only the team will perform, but the leadership is also expected to be penned down for future series. It is a good sign for Pakistan cricket because Shaheen Afridi is always available to play in the test series, and he is very eager to play and to come back after recent disasters.
Also Read: Hassan Ali Defends Babar Azam Amid Criticism Over World Cup Performances
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