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Pakistan’s head coach Jason Gillespie recently explained the decision to exclude Shaheen Afridi from the must-win second Test against Bangladesh, set to begin in Rawalpindi. This move raised eyebrows as Shaheen has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s pace attack. However, Gillespie provided multiple reasons that influenced this crucial decision.
According to Gillespie, Shaheen has been working on specific aspects of his bowling to enhance his effectiveness. He emphasised that Shaheen has been given feedback and is collaborating closely with bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to refine his skills. Gillespie assured that this break is aimed at ensuring Shaheen returns to his best form, especially considering the heavy schedule Pakistan faces across all formats in the near future.
Another significant factor was Shaheen’s recent personal milestone—he became a father shortly after the first Test. Gillespie mentioned that this development also played a role in the decision, as it offered Shaheen a chance to spend time with his family during a busy cricketing year.
Moreover, Shaheen’s recent form in Test cricket has been a concern. Since his return from a knee injury in July 2023, he has struggled to regain his peak performance, taking only 16 wickets in 10 innings. His recent stats reflect a dip in pace and consistency, prompting the coaching staff to consider resting him in favour of alternatives like left-arm pacer Mir Hamza and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who have been included in the squad.
The decision comes after Pakistan’s unexpected loss in the first Test, where they failed to deliver with both bat and ball. The team management is looking to bounce back and level the series, and part of that strategy involves tweaking the bowling attack to better suit the conditions in Rawalpindi.
The absence of Shaheen is significant, but Gillespie remains confident that this decision is in the best interest of both the player and the team. He reiterated that Shaheen will play a vital role in Pakistan’s future campaigns, but for now, the focus is on giving him the time and space to return stronger.