ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for resting Shaheen Shah Afridi during the ongoing Test series against South Africa.
Shaheen, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s historic 3-0 ODI series whitewash against the Proteas, has been rested by the PCB as part of workload management to ensure his readiness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Mickey Arthur is unimpressed with the decision, arguing that South African pitches are ideal for a bowler of Shaheen Afridi’s caliber.
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The Australian expressed his frustration, saying, “I can’t believe it. If he’s not bowling in South Africa, then where the hell are they bowling him? It’s almost the best place to bowl in the world.” Mickey Arthur emphasized the unique edge Shaheen Afridi brings to the team, citing his left-arm pace and match-winning ability.
“Yes, they have Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker. Based on his skill, I would include him in any team for South Africa,” Arthur added.
While Shaheen is absent from the Test lineup, he is set to debut in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with Fortune Barishal. The PCB has granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to play the first five matches of the tournament, with the approval valid until January 15. There have also been growing reports that Shaheen’s absence has undertones of disciplinary reasons attached to it, but neither party is yet to confirm or deny the news.
Pakistan’s upcoming test matches against the West Indies will give us a better idea of where Shaheen Afridi stands in the Pakistan cricket team’s test squad hierarchy. If the contingent playing in South Africa manages to impress the selectors, Shaheen may have to take the long road back into Pakistan’s red-ball cricket setup.
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