Shaheen Afridi dropped from Pakistan Test team because of father-in-law Shahid Afridi

Pakistan cricket is in uproar following the controversial exclusion of star players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the Test squad for the remaining two Tests of the ongoing three-match Test series against England in Multan and Rawalpindi, respectively.

The decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism from former cricketers and fans across the world, with many questioning the integrity of the selection process. Joining the chorus, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali was particularly vocal about Shaheen Afridi's omission.

Basit Ali accuses Pakistan selectors of bias in dropping Shaheen Afridi for England Tests

Ali said that the star pacer has always been on the radar of the Pakistan selectors, team management, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), alleging the decision is rooted in bias. He claimed that Shaheen Afridi has been unfairly targeted due to his familial ties to former all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

The former Pakistan selector also claimed that the national selectors have consistently tried to demoralize Shaheen and dent his image, as he highlighted their agenda against the pace sensation due to his father-in-law's influence in Pakistan cricket.

Adding fuel to the fire, Basit Ali has pointed to the flat pitch being prepared for the first Test match against England in Multan to restrict Shaheen's effectiveness as a bowler to justify his removal from the Pakistan team.

The target was always Shaheen Afridi: Basit Ali

Ali didn’t hold back, as he claimed that preparing the batting-friendly pitch was a strategic move by the selectors to help the underfire Babar Azam, but unfortunately, he also flopped. Ali said that it was merely a stroke of bad luck, but the primary target had always been Shaheen Afridi.

Basit Ali said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “A batting pitch was made for their benefit. It was Babar's bad luck that he was out of form and got out on such a pitch. However, the target was always Shaheen Afridi. It was because of Shahid Afridi.”

Furthermore, Ali urged Shahid Afridi to reconsider his relationships within the cricket fraternity, advising him to identify his friends and enemies. The former batter warned Shahid that not everyone who seems supportive has true intentions, so he must stay alert to possible betrayals.

Shahid Afridi needs to identify his friends and enemies: Basit Ali

He signed off by saying, “I want to give a message to Shahid Afridi that he needs to identify his friends and enemies. Not everyone who speaks with a smile is your friend. You are not thinking about how subtly these guys work. Because you are a devotee of Allah, there's nothing to fear.”

In the opening Test match in Multan, Pakistan scored 556 runs in the first innings, thanks to centuries from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Agha Salman. However, England mounted a powerful response, all thanks to a double century from Joe Root and a maiden triple ton from Harry Brook.

England declared their innings at an astonishing 823/7. Later, Pakistan were bowled out for just 220 runs in their second innings, and the tourists ultimately won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Notably, Shaheen Afridi managed to take only one wicket in the first Test and was subsequently dropped from the Test team.