Karachi, Pakistan – Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has come out in support of the selectors’ decision to rest Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah for the remaining two Tests against England.
The surprise move has divided opinions within the Pakistan cricket fraternity, with some praising the selectors’ willingness to experiment and others questioning the wisdom of omitting three of the team’s most talented players.
“I completely agree with the selectors’ decision,” Afridi said in an interview. “Our players have been playing non-stop cricket for months, and rest is essential to maintain their physical and mental well-being.”
Afridi, who led Pakistan in 36 Tests, believes the decision will benefit the team in the long run. “It’s a brave call, but it’s necessary to ensure our key players remain fresh and injury-free for future series.”
However, not everyone shares Afridi’s optimism. Several former cricketers and fans have expressed disappointment and concern over the omission of Azam, Afridi, and Shah, citing the potential impact on Pakistan’s chances of winning the series.
Pakistan’s chief selector, Mohammad Wasim, defended the decision, stating that it was made with the players’ and team’s best interests in mind. “We need to manage our players’ workload and give opportunities to other talented cricketers,” Wasim explained.
The decision’s outcome will become clearer when Pakistan takes on England in the second Test, starting on Friday.
Reaction from Pakistan Cricket Fraternity
- “It’s a shocking decision. How can you drop your best players?” – Former Pakistan batsman, Mohammad Yousuf
- “I understand the need for rest, but timing is crucial. This series is crucial for Pakistan.” – Cricket analyst, Aamer Sohail
- “It’s a bold move, but it might just pay off. We need to trust the selectors.” – Pakistan cricket fan, Ali Hassan
The debate continues, but one thing is certain: Pakistan’s selectors have shown they’re willing to take tough decisions to achieve success.
