Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported the selectors’ decision to rest Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the remaining two Tests against England. Following Pakistan’s loss in the series opener in Multan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formed a new selection committee.
The committee, which includes Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema, and advisor Bilal Afzal, made the decision. Former pacer Aqib Javed clarified that the players were rested rather than dropped.
Shahid Afridi, who is Shaheen Afridi’s father-in-law, welcomed the decision, stating that it would help prolong the players’ careers and allow the PCB to develop new talent.
“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,” Afridi shared 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
Additionally, it has been reported that Pakistan captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie will no longer have the final say in team selection or the playing eleven, as the PCB’s new selectors have reduced their influence.
A source within the PCB confirmed to PTI that while Shan and Gillespie were consulted for the second Test squad, they no longer have the final authority over selection decisions.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexec “daily briefing” newsletter.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
