Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has openly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to rest star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the ongoing Test series against South Africa. Afridi, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s ODI series whitewash against South Africa, is absent from the Test lineup as part of PCB’s workload management strategy, which aims to preserve his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Arthur expressed his dismay over the decision, arguing that South Africa provides ideal conditions for fast bowlers like Shaheen. “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,” Arthur remarked.
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He emphasized that Shaheen’s left-arm pace is a key asset and that his presence could have been game-changing for Pakistan. “I know they have got Mir Hamza, but Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner. Based on his skill, I would include him in any team for South Africa,” Arthur added.
Despite his absence from the Test squad, Shaheen is set to debut in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), playing for Fortune Barishal. The PCB has granted him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) until January 15, allowing him to participate in the first five matches of the tournament.
Dawid Malan Registers for PSL 10 Draft
In related cricket news, England’s Dawid Malan has registered for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 draft. Malan joins a list of high-profile international players keen on participating in the tournament.
Australia’s Usman Khawaja, England’s Jason Roy, and David Willey have also expressed interest in joining PSL 10. Other notable registrations include Bangladesh’s pacer Mustafizur Rahman, Zimbabwe’s all-rounder Sikandar Raza, and England’s Tom Curran.
The registration process for the PSL 10 draft is still ongoing, with more international players expected to join the pool for selection.
