Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi expressed his desire to be part of the team for the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa in away conditions. However, the men’s team selectors did not take Shaheen Afridi’s request into consideration following his refusal to play a 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 whitewash victory. He was excluded from the Test squad during the South Africa tour. Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League.
Shaheen Afridi Excluded from Test Squad for Defying Selectors’ Orders
According to the latest reports, Shaheen Afridi was excluded from the Test squad after refusing to play a four-day match. It was reported that the selectors asked him to do so, but the pacer could not due to some reasons. Babar Azam, who also did not follow similar instructions, was included in the squad.
Sports journalist Saleem Khaliq pointed out that Shaheen faced consequences for defying the selectors’ orders. Saleem confirmed that Babar Azam was still selected despite not playing the four-day match.
“Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for “defying” selectors’ orders. The pacer was excluded from the Test squad for opting out of a four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the pacer, who was sent back from South Africa under the pretext of rest, has been allowed to participate in the BPL,” Saleem Khaliq wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for “defying” selectors’ orders. The pacer was excluded from the Test squad for opting out of a four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the pacer, who was sent back from South Africa under the pretext of…
— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 27, 2024
Meanwhile, Shaheen is set to make his debut in the BPL with 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.
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 SuperSport Park in Centurion. South Africa dismissed Pakistan for 211 and then reached 82/3 by stumps.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl. Shan Masood (17), who moved to the opening position, and Babar Azam (4), batting at three, both failed. Pakistan collapsed to 56/4 after 18.3 overs, thanks to strong bowling by the South African pacers.
Kamran Ghulam Played A Counter-Attacking Knock of 54 Runs
Kamran Ghulam played a counter-attacking knock of 54 but was dismissed by Dane Paterson 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. Paterson took five wickets, and Corbin Bosch claimed four.
In response, Khurram Shahzad (2/28) and Mohammad Abbas (1/36) provided some resistance, picking up three wickets with the new ball. At the stumps of day 1 of the series opener, South Africa was 82/3, with Aiden Markram on 47* and captain Temba Bavuma on 4*.
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