Rawalpindi, Pakistan: The Pakistani cricket team is no stranger to controversy, and the recent exclusion of star fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from the second Test against Bangladesh has only added fuel to the fire. Speculations are rife about the reasons behind this decision, ranging from poor form to potential team politics. This comes at a time when the team’s internal unity has been called into question by former players and coaches, including legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Shaheen’s Struggles and the Decision to Drop Him
Shaheen Afridi’s recent form in Test cricket has been a point of concern for Pakistan. Over the past year, his performances in the longer format have been underwhelming. Despite playing in fast-bowling-friendly conditions, such as those in Australia, Shaheen has struggled to maintain his earlier pace and effectiveness. His average has climbed over 41, and his wicket-taking abilities have diminished, as evidenced by his recent performance where he managed only two lower-order wickets for 96 runs.
Adding to these concerns is the noticeable drop in his pace. Once regularly clocking speeds around 140 km/h, Shaheen’s pace has now decreased, raising further doubts about his fitness and form. These issues have contributed to the decision to omit him from the squad for the crucial Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
However, Pakistan’s head coach Jason Gillespie, while announcing the 12-member squad for the match, refrained from using the term “dropped.” He instead explained that Shaheen is “working on some things” to regain his form and improve his performance. Gillespie emphasized that Shaheen has been given specific advice and is currently working closely with bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to address these issues.
“We want Shaheen to be at his best,” Gillespie said. “We have a lot of cricket ahead in all formats, and Shaheen’s contribution will be vital.”
Team Politics and the Allegations of Bullying
While Shaheen’s form is a legitimate concern, rumors of internal team politics and alleged bullying have also surfaced. A recent video clip that went viral showed Shaheen Afridi seemingly removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood’s hand from his shoulder. This incident has sparked speculation about a rift between the two players and raised questions about Shaheen’s conduct within the team.
Former cricketers and coaches have long suggested that all is not well within the Pakistan dressing room. Shahid Afridi, who has publicly supported Shaheen in the past and even advocated for him to be made captain, has also claimed that the team is divided into factions. These claims have led to concerns that Shaheen’s omission may not be solely due to cricketing reasons but could also be influenced by internal team dynamics.
It is worth noting that Shaheen Afridi recently became a father, which Gillespie mentioned as a factor in giving him some time off. However, this reasoning has not quelled the speculation, as the timing of his exclusion and the surrounding circumstances have only fueled the narrative of possible discord within the team.
Pakistan’s Selection Dilemma and the Rawalpindi Test
Pakistan’s decision to exclude Shaheen Afridi has left the team with some tough choices, especially after the first Test against Bangladesh exposed the shortcomings of their bowling attack. The absence of a specialist spinner proved costly, prompting the inclusion of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed in the squad for the second Test.
Jason Gillespie admitted that the decision-making process has been complicated by the weather conditions in Rawalpindi. Continuous rain over the past few days has kept the pitch covered, preventing both teams from assessing the surface. As a result, Pakistan named a 12-member squad instead of the usual 11, leaving room for flexibility based on the conditions on match day.
“We are looking at what can be our best combination in this match,” Gillespie said. “Given the weather conditions, we have named 12 players, and we will finalize our playing XI after assessing the pitch. Our goal is to field a team capable of taking 20 wickets.”
As the Pakistan team prepares for the second Test, the situation remains tense. Shaheen Afridi’s absence, coupled with the ongoing rumors of internal strife, has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations. With Pakistan’s cricketing future hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how the team performs in this crucial match and whether they can overcome both on-field and off-field challenges.
