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Babar Azam outlines opportunity for youngsters in Shaheen Afridi's absence


image-l75vk4qkPakistan will miss Shaheen in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 (PC: Twitter)

Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam believes that Shaheen Shah Afridi's injury provides an opportunity for the youngsters to step up in his absence.

Pakistan suffered a major blow ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 when frontline seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee ligament injury. The left-arm pacer will also be missing Pakistan's home series against England, which has put his participation in the T20 World Cup 2022 under serious threat. 

Meanwhile, right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain has been named as Shaheen's replacement for the continental tournament.

Pakistan have a potent pace attack with the likes of Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, and Shahnawaz Dahani in their ranks, but the absence of Shaheen, who rattled the Indian top-order in their T20 World Cup meeting in Dubai last year, is a cause for concern for Babar Azam and his team.

Pakistan will miss Shaheen: Babar

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team recently completed a series whitewash against the Netherlands. Even though Shaheen did not participate in the three-match series, still Babar spoke about the absence of his premier fast bowler while reviewing his team's performances against the Dutch nation.

“We will definitely miss Shaheen (Shah Afridi) for his outstanding performances and contributions to the team but it’s an opportunity for newcomers to show their skills and talent,” said Babar Azam after Pakistan's series win over the Netherlands.

Shaheen has been Pakistan's most bankable bowler in recent times across formats. His unavailability leaves a big void in the team as there is no other left-arm seamer in Pakistan's Asia Cup squad.


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