"We're all cheering for you" - Shaheen Shah Afridi's message to Pakistan after being dropped for remainder of PAK vs ENG 2024 Test series
Pakistan's pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has wished the national team good luck ahead of the decisive second Test against England in Multan, beginning on Tuesday, October 15. Having been left out of the squad for the second and third Test, the left-arm speedster took to X and wrote how he is rooting for their strong comeback.
Pakistan suffered a historic innings and 47-run defeat in the opening Test against England in Multan to go down 1-0. The hosts became the first team to lose a Test after making 500 in their first dig. Moreover, they conceded an eye-watering 823 runs before a batting collapse sealed their defeat.
Taking to X, Afridi, who had poor figures of 26-1-120-1, wrote:
"Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We're all cheering for you!"
The 24-year-old was not the only casualty following the heavy defeat to England. Naseem Shah and Babar Azam also missed out after their own share of struggles in Multan.
"We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness" - Aaqib Javed on dropping Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi
Former Pakistan pacer and member of national selection committee Aaqib Javed addressed the decision to drop the stalwarts. He believes that the break will ensure their return to full fitness for future challenges. Javed said, as quoted by pcb.co.pk:
"Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors. We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule.
"Wth these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi. We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges."
Babar, Afridi, and Naseem could well make their return for the Test series in South Africa, beginning in December.