Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has endorsed the decision by the newly formed selection committee to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the squad for the remaining two Tests against England. The move has sparked debate, with some questioning the rationale behind dropping three of Pakistan’s most talented players.
Afridi, however, believes the decision is a wise one that will ultimately benefit both the players and the team. He argues that resting these players will prolong their careers and allow them to return refreshed and rejuvenated. Additionally, it will provide an opportunity for the PCB to test and groom new talent, building a stronger bench strength for the future.
“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 posted on Twitter.
The decision to drop the trio has also been met with some criticism, with some arguing that it sends the wrong message to the players and could damage their confidence. However, Afridi believes that the players will understand the rationale behind the decision and will use it as motivation to improve their performances.
“I am confident that Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem will come back stronger than ever. They are all world-class players, and they will use this break to work on their game and come back even better,” Afridi said.
The decision to drop the trio is part of a wider shake-up of the Pakistan cricket team following their disappointing loss to England in the first Test in Multan. The PCB has formed a new selection committee, comprising Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema, and advisor Bilal Afzal, and has given them the power to make all selection decisions, including the finalizing of the playing eleven.
This move has reduced the powers of captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie, who previously had the final say in selection matters. However, the PCB believes that this change will allow the selectors to make more objective and informed decisions, free from any external pressure.
