Shaheen Afridi 'disheartened' over exclusion from squad for second Bangladesh Test

Exclusion left Afridi in shock, struggling to understand why he was recalled if there were no plans to play him.

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KARACHI:

Pakistan's left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi is reportedly heartbroken after being dropped from the recently announced 12-member squad for the second Test, expressing deep sadness over what he perceives as continuous unfair treatment.

According to the details, the blame for the humiliating defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test match in Rawalpindi has been unfairly placed on Shaheen.

Despite his consistent efforts, he has become the only player to be dropped from the squad for the second Test. Mir Hamza and Abrar Ahmed have been included in the 12-member squad.

Shaheen was granted permission to go to Karachi to meet his newborn child Aliyaar after the first Test, but was unexpectedly called back to Rawalpindi just two days later.

Sources reveal that when the team management informed him of being dropped, the young pacer was left in shock, struggling to understand why he was recalled if there were no plans to play him.

This is not the first setback for Shaheen; before the 2024 T20 World Cup, he was removed from the T20I captaincy after just one series defeat against New Zealand.

Concerns have also been raised about his bowling action and speed. Recently, he was also stripped of the vice-captaincy in Test matches, adding to his frustrations.

According to sources, these recent events have taken a significant toll on Shaheen Afridi, who even sacrificed lucrative league contracts to remain available for Test cricket.

By being dropped, he received a strong and disheartening message.

It has been revealed that a member of the national team management does not like Shaheen and played a key role in his exclusion from the second Test against Bangladesh.

Although none of the players performed well in the match, Shaheen was unfairly singled out, leaving him visibly unhappy and disillusioned.

It is worth noting that Pakistan will play the second Test match of the ongoing series against Bangladesh on Friday.

This game is a must-win for the hosts to level the series.