Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has hailed the selectors for dropping Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah from the Test team. The new selection committee announced the squad for the remaining two Tests against England and there was no place for these three star players.
Pakistan lost the first red-ball game against the visiting English side by an innings and 47 runs in Multan. It was the first instance in the history of Test cricket that a team suffered a defeat after scoring over 500 runs in the first innings. The Men in Green posted 556 but England hit back in some style, touching the 823-run mark.
Shan Masood’s team was then dismissed for 220 runs in their second innings on Day 5, giving England a comprehensive victory. The apex body of Pakistan cricket pressed the panic button and changed the entire selection panel.
The new decision makers decided to take stern action and Babar, Shaheen and Naseem were shown the exit door.
However, Shahid Afridi feels it is a good move.
“Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. 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,” Shahid Afridi wrote on X.
Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. 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…
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 14, 2024
Babar scored 30 and 5 in the Multan Test. On the other hand, Naseem and Shaheen took two wickets and one scalp, respectively.
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