Shaheen Afridi takes dig at PCB [Source: @_FaridKhan/X.com]
Shaheen Afridi, a key figure in Pakistan cricket team and a dominant force in the pace attack, has always been a vital player for his country. However, recent events have raised questions about his exclusion from several Test series. The Pakistan pacer has been notably absent from key matches, including the South Africa Tests and the upcoming West Indies series.
A recent press conference video has gone viral, where Shaheen’s reaction to questions about his 'rest' has sparked a fresh debate.
During the PSL draft held at the iconic Lahore Fort on January 13, Shaheen Afridi attended a press conference that grabbed everyone’s attention. When a reporter asked him about being rested during the South Africa Test series and the West Indies series, Shaheen’s response was both cryptic and cheeky.
The reporter questioned, “Shaheen, you were given rest during the South Africa Test series, and you're not part of the West Indies series either.”
Shaheen’s immediate response was a sarcastic laugh, followed by the remark, “I was given rest? That’s a good question.”
His expression and tone indicated that he wasn’t entirely convinced by the “rest” narrative given by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Shaheen Afridi has seen a sudden drop in appearances. He played the first Test of the England series in August last year but was sidelined for the remaining matches. Interestingly, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, who were also rested initially, returned to the squad for the South Africa series, but Shaheen did not.
The PCB justified Shaheen’s absence by citing workload management. However, this explanation hasn’t sat well with fans or cricket experts. Many believe that the decision to rest Shaheen is questionable, considering his immense contribution to the team’s success.
With his Test career currently on hold, Afridi is now focusing on the upcoming PSL 2025. As the captain of Lahore Qalandars, he will be eager to make a strong impact in the tournament, both as a bowler and a leader. The next edition of PSL is scheduled to take place from April 8 to May 19, 2025.