Shahid Afridi Weighs In: PCB’s Controversial Move To Drop Babar And Shaheen

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has pleaded for the selectors to decide to omit Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the squad ahead of the next two Tests against England. Following the series-loss for Pakistan, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) constituted a new selection committee, consisting of Aqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hasan Cheema, and advisory board member Bilal Afzal, which has decided to send the trio to the sidelines. However, former bowler Aqib Javed reckons the three haven’t been dropped but rested instead.

This would be even good for extending the playing career, and another level would be the PCB exploring and nurturing new talent,” said Afridi, who is also Shaheen’s father-in-law. “Supporting selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a breather from international cricket. This helps protect their careers and extend their careers. A superb opportunity to test and groom young talent and build strong bench strength for the future,” he posted on X.

In addition, it has emerged that Pakistani skipper Shan Masood as well as head coach Jason Gillespie would not have the final say in selection of the team or playing eleven under the new selectors who have diluted their authority. A well-placed PCB source told PTI that roles for the captain and head coach have undergone a change since neither has the final say on matters of selection or selection of the playing eleven. “The playing eleven for the second Test (against England) has been finalized after consulting Shan and Gillespie, but unlike until the first Test, they no longer have final say in the selection of the playing eleven,” the source stated.