Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has expressed his desire to be part of the team for the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa in overseas conditions. However, the men's team's selectors did not take Shaheen Afridi's request into consideration after he refused to play the four-day match.
Afridi last played for Pakistan in the recent ODI series against South Africa, where he took seven wickets and played a key role in the team's 3-0 win. He was left out of the Test squad during the tour of South Africa. Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League.
Shaheen Afridi has been dropped from the Test squad for defying the selectors' orders
According to the latest reports, Shaheen Afridi has been left out of the squad after refusing to play a four-day match. It was reported that the selectors asked him to do so, but he was unable to do so for certain reasons. Babar Azam, who did not follow similar instructions, was included in the team.
Sports journalist Salim Khaleq pointed out that Shaheen faced the consequences of violating the elected officials’ orders. Saleem confirmed that Babar Azam is still selected despite not playing in the four-day match.
“Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for 'defying' selectors' orders. The player was dropped from the Test squad for opting out of a four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the player who was sent back from South Africa on the pretext of rest , was allowed to participate in the BPL,” Salim Khaliq wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for 'defying' orders of selectors. The player was dropped from the Test squad for opting out of the four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the player who was returned from South Africa under the pretext of…
— Saleem Khaliq (@Saleemkhaliq) December 27, 2024
Meanwhile, Shaheen is set to make his BPL debut for Fortune Barishal. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued the fast bowler a no-objection certificate (NOC) until January 15, allowing him to play in the first five matches of the T20 tournament, which runs from December 30 to February 7.
The two-match Test series between South Africa and Pakistan began on December 26
The two-match Test series between South Africa and Pakistan began on Thursday, December 26 at SuperSports Park in Centurion. South Africa dismissed Pakistan for 211 and then reached 82/3 at their stumps.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl. Shan Masood (17), who moved to the opening position, and Babar Azam (4), batted with three, both failed. Pakistan collapsed to 56/4 after 18.3 overs thanks to strong bowling by the South African bowlers.
Kamran Ghulam played an attacking knock with 54 runs
Kamran Ghulam played a counter knock of 54 but was dismissed by Dane Patterson at the end of the 38th over. Mohammad Rizwan (27), Agha Salman (18) and Aamer Jamal (28) added some runs in the lower order, taking Pakistan to 211. Patterson took five wickets, and Corbin Bush took four.
In reply, Khurram Shehzad (2/28) and Mohammad Abbas (1/36) offered some resistance, taking three wickets with the new ball. At stumps on the first day of the series opener, South Africa took 82/3, with Aiden Markram on 47* and skipper Temba Bavuma on 4*.
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