Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur expressed disbelief over ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence from the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, scheduled to commence on Thursday.
The green shirts, fresh from their historic 3-0 whitewash victory in ODIs over South Africa, are all set to embark on the red-ball leg of their full-fledged tour without frontline pacer Shaheen.
The left-arm pacer featured in preceding white-ball series but was given rest for the two-match Test series as a part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plans to keep him fresh for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be run from February 19 to March 9.
The decision, however, did not sit well with former coach Arthur, who voiced his strong opposition of the decision, hailing Shaheen as the match-winner.
Arthur further described South Africa as one of the ideal places to bowl as a pacer and reiterated his importance in the side regardless of the similar options available for the touring side like Mir Hamza.
“I can't believe it. If he's not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It's the best place to bowl in the world, almost,” said Arthur.
“Plus, he gives you a left-arm option. I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner. I'm not in the inner echelon in terms of knowing the ins and outs of why they haven't selected him, but on pure skill, I would have him in South Africa in any team I pick,” he added.
It is pertinent to mention here that during his time away from red-ball cricket, Shaheen Afridi will represent Fortune Barishal in the upcoming 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), scheduled to commence on December 30.
The 24-year-old was roped in as a direct signing and is expected to be available for the first five matches of the tournament as the Pakistan Cricket Board granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to play only until January 15.
- Mickey Arthur
- Shaheen Afridi
