Pakistan cricket is no stranger to bold decisions, but resting Shaheen Shah Afridi for the upcoming Test series against South Africa has sparked quite the debate. Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur, never one to shy away from sharing his thoughts, made his disbelief crystal clear.
Shaheen’s Absence: Strategic or Senseless?
After a dominant 3-0 whitewash in the ODIs against South Africa, the green shirts are gearing up for the red-ball leg of the tour. But there’s a glaring omission—Shaheen Shah Afridi. The ace left-arm pacer, who was instrumental in the white-ball series, has been rested for the two-match Test series.
Why? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants to keep him fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for February. Sounds logical, right? Except Arthur isn’t buying it.
“If Not in South Africa, Then Where?”
Arthur didn’t hold back when discussing Shaheen’s absence. For him, South Africa is the dream destination for pacers, thanks to its seam-friendly pitches and bouncy tracks.
“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 exclaimed.
Read More: Virat Kohli’s Fiery Moment: Clash With 19-Year-Old Konstas Sparks Debate
He emphasized that Shaheen isn’t just any pacer—he’s a match-winner. While Pakistan has other left-arm options like Mir Hamza, Arthur was clear: Shaheen is irreplaceable.
Is BPL the Real Reason?
Adding fuel to the fire, Shaheen isn’t exactly taking a break. Instead, he’ll be playing for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He’s been granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) by the PCB, allowing him to play the first five matches of the tournament.
This has raised eyebrows. If he’s fit enough to play franchise cricket, why isn’t he leading Pakistan’s attack in South Africa?
Read More: Babar Azam Achieves Historic Milestone Against South Africa
A Missed Opportunity
Arthur pointed out that South Africa’s conditions are tailor-made for someone like Shaheen. The 24-year-old’s pace, accuracy, and ability to move the ball make him a nightmare for batters, especially on South African pitches.
“Shaheen is a game-breaker and match-winner,” Arthur stated firmly.
And he’s right. Pakistan’s bowling attack is good, but Shaheen’s presence adds a level of intimidation and class that few can replicate.
PCB’s decision highlights a growing trend of managing players’ workloads to ensure longevity. While the intention is understandable, fans and experts argue that certain series—like one in South Africa—deserve priority.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.