Shaheen Afridi released by team management, ordered to leave Pakistan team

Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Afridi was controversially dropped from the Test squad for the ongoing second and final Test against Bangladesh being underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday, August 30.

Shaheen’s recent form has been a growing concern for Pakistan. Last year, the left-arm pacer managed to take just 14 wickets across four Test matches, with an average nearing 40.

Shaheen Afridi set to miss the second Test against Bangladesh

In the first Test of the ongoing home series against Bangladesh, he finished with figures of 2 for 96 in Rawalpindi, where Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat of 10 wickets.

Well, Pakistan's head coach, Jason Gillespie, didn’t reveal the reason behind the axing of Afridi from the Test squad but clearly hinted that they are not happy with his form with the ball.

Pakistan's Test head coach revealed that Afridi is currently working on his bowling with Azhar Mahmood, but didn't share more details. Gillespie had stated at the press conference, “Shaheen's missed out on this game. We've had a good conversation with him, and he fully understands and appreciates the thinking behind it. Shaheen's been given some feedback. He's working on some things with his bowling to be as effective as he possibly can be.”

Shaheen Afridi to be released from Pakistan team amid Bangladesh Test series

Meanwhile, it is being said that Afridi was released from the Pakistan team, and even the team management has asked him to spend time with his family, as he recently became the father of a baby boy.

A Pakistani reporter from Samaa TV claimed that Afridi will leave for Karachi to spend time with his family in the middle of the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh at home.

Qadir Khawaja posted on X: “National team fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi can be released from the team; the team management has asked him to spend time with his family; Shaheen Shah Afridi will leave for Karachi to spend time with his family.”

قومی ٹیم کے فاسٹ بولر شاہین شاہ آفریدی کو ٹیم سے ریلیز کیا جاسکتا ہے انکو ٹیم مینجمنٹ نے کہا ہے کہ وہ فیملی کے ساتھ وقت گزاریں، شاہین شاہ آفریدی اہل خانہ کے ساتھ وقت گزارنے کے لیے کراچی روانہ ہو جائیں گے#ShaheenShahAfridi #PakistanCricket #PAKvsBAN

— Qadir Khawaja (@iamqadirkhawaja) August 30, 2024

Earlier, Babar Azam was seen inspecting the pitch along with Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Bangladesh coach Mushtaq Ahmed was also seen sharing some light moments with Babar and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Afridi was also seen inspecting the Rawalpindi pitch ahead of the final game.

Pakistan and Bangladesh players stuck at Hotel as rain cancels the first Day of the second Test

However, there was no toss or play on the opening day of the second Test due to the field being wet from heavy rainfall throughout the morning in Rawalpindi. As a result of the waterlogging, the play on the first day of the second Test was called off by the umpires on Friday.

Players and team officials from both Pakistan and Bangladesh teams remained at the hotel with rain continuing to pour and the outfield completely flooded. Both teams are currently in the lower half of the WTC 2023-25 standings, with Bangladesh sitting at No. 7 and Pakistan at No. 8.