Career would've ended in January 2024: Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on missing Sydney Test

Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has opened up on missing the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year. The left-arm pacer had faced severe criticism for missing the game at that time with reports stating that he had himself opted not to play the third and final Test of the series.

Pakistan had already conceded the series after losing the first two games and needed to win the Sydney Test to avoid a whitewash. Their task was only made tougher as Shaheen Afridi was not available for the game. Later, the then-director of the Pakistan team, Mohammad Hafeez had revealed that Afridi had approached him with a request to take a break from the third Test.

However, Afridi has now revealed that he was in no position to play the game. He also revealed that he did not decide to skip the match but the team management and the medical panel decided to rest him because of the future assignments.

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"I did not skip that Test match. It was the decision of the team management and medical panel because there was a lot of T20 cricket ahead. It was their way of managing my workload.

"If I had played that match, you might not have seen me with the team now, as my back and knees had become very stiff. Test cricket has always been my priority because that is the format which is going to give you recognition," Shaheen Afridi told Cricwick.

Shaheen Afridi on bowling speed:

Shaheen Afridi also addressed the criticism surrounding his pace. Many believe that the injury setbacks have taken a toll on the pacer's bowling speed. However, the Pakistan star believes that his speed has not dropped as he said:

"I don't think my pace has dropped. I got a bit quicker in 2021. However, if you even see my debut, I've always clocked around 140 kmph with the new ball. Everyone will praise you when you pick wickets, and when you don't, people will try to pinpoint negative things."

Afridi is currently in the USA for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan have made a poor start to their campaign and are in danger of getting knocked out at the group stage. They have won only one of their first three games and need to win their last group game to stay in contention for a place in the Super 8s.