Pakistan’s Test captain, Shan Masood, has defended the decision to bench star pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the second Test against Bangladesh. The move came after Pakistan suffered a series whitewash in Rawalpindi.
Masood acknowledged the need to explore other options and nurture young talent. “We’re trying to keep consistency with red-ball performances as well,” he said. “We can’t be harsh on [Shaheen and Naseem] because they’re playing all three formats.”
Head coach Jason Gillespie echoed Masood’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of developing a balanced team. “We want Shaheen Afridi to be at his very best for as much cricket as possible,” he said. “He’s an all-format player, and we have a pretty heavy schedule.”
Gillespie also highlighted Shaheen’s personal challenges, which may have affected his performance. “He had a pretty eventful time in his personal life as well,” he said.
Despite their disappointing T20 World Cup performances, Shaheen and Naseem have shown flashes of brilliance. However, their recent form has raised concerns. In the first Test against Bangladesh, they failed to make a significant impact.
Pakistan’s decision to drop the duo is a bold one, but it reflects the team’s commitment to building a sustainable future. By giving opportunities to younger players, Pakistan hopes to create a more well-rounded and resilient squad.
