Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has raised questions over the decision to exclude fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the two-match Test series against South Africa.
Shaheen played a key role in Pakistan’s historic whitewash victory in the ODI series against South Africa, however, he is not part of the ongoing Test series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to rest the ace pacer from the Test series as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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However, Mickey Arthur expressed his disbelief over the decision and voiced his criticism, stating that bowling in South Africa would have helped the pacer.
“I can’t believe it. If he’s not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It’s the best place to bowl in the world, almost,” said Arthur.
“Plus, he gives you a left-arm option. I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner.
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“I’m not in the inner echelon in terms of knowing the ins and outs of why they haven’t selected him, but on pure skill, I would have him in South Africa in any team I pick.”
It’s worth noting that Shaheen Shah Afridi has been roped in by Fortune Barishal and is set to make his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) debut during the upcoming season.
The star pacer is likely to feature in the first five games for Fortune Barishal as he has been granted a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) until January 15.
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