Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan has made a significant change to their squad for the second Test match against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on August 30 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Notably, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been left out of the 12-member squad announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Afridi’s omission comes as a surprise, especially considering his key role in the team. The decision is part of a broader strategy to manage his workload.
Pakistan’s red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, explained that Afridi’s exclusion is due to his recent busy schedule playing across all three formats of the game and his recent personal milestone of becoming a father.
The team management wants him to have some time with his family, indicating their commitment to balancing players’ professional and personal lives.
Shaheen Afridi’s performance in the first Test was underwhelming, as he only managed to take two wickets in the first innings.
His performance was a stark contrast to his usual high standards, which may have influenced the decision to rest him for this crucial match.
The first Test of the series ended in a historic defeat for Pakistan, marking their first-ever loss to Bangladesh in a Test match.
This defeat was particularly notable as the match, which had seemed destined to end in a draw, saw Pakistan’s batting lineup collapse dramatically on the final day.
They were bowled out for just 146 runs, leaving Bangladesh with a modest target of only 30 runs, which they successfully chased.
In response to this setback, Pakistan is looking to make a strong comeback in the second Test. The squad for this match features a blend of experience and new talent.
The 12-member squad includes Shan Masood as captain and Saud Shakeel as vice-captain, with Abrar Ahmed and left-arm pacer Mir Hamza also included.
Other members of the squad are Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (who will serve as the wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shehzad.
This revised squad reflects Pakistan’s intent to rebound from their defeat and make a strong statement in the remaining matches of the series.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
