ISLAMABAD: Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to miss part of the forthcoming T20 series against New Zealand due to the policy of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reduce unnecessary burden on the leading fast bowlers.
‘The News’ has learnt that consultation is in progress to protect fast bowlers from unnecessary burden and test the form and fitness of newcomers. Those making a comeback are more likely to be included in the series against New Zealand.
“Chances are there that some leading fast bowlers including Shaheen Shah Afridi would be rested for the first part of the T20 series against New Zealand or the entire home series against the visitors.
The decision is linked with the workload of fast bowlers but it has some hidden lessons as well for all who have shown concerns over the recent decision taken by the PCB. Reports emerging from the camp in Kakul suggest that Shaheen has expressed his surprise over the statement attributed to him by the Board.
Shaheen was quoted to have said that being a player it was pertinent for him to support Babar Azam as a captain. Shaheen is said to have expressed his concerns about not being taken in confidence before issuing such a statement.
“The PCB chairman, who visited Kakul (Abbottabad) on Monday, made it clear during a meeting with the cricketers that there will be no compromise on discipline matters. The decision on captaincy was taken on the recommendations of the Selection Committee and it is in the best interest of the team and country.”
It is believed that if Shaheen is asked to sit out from part of the series against New Zealand, it would have something to do with his rejecting the statement attributed to him by the PCB. It is believed that the final decision on Shaheen’s inclusion in the squad will be taken after monitoring his conduct in the run-up to the series.
“He could be made part of the squad against New Zealand but may not be included in the Playing XI for the first three T20 matches to be played at the Pindi Stadium,” a source told ‘The News’.
