As per the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) policy to relieve leading fast bowlers, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi may miss part of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, The News reported Tuesday. Current consultations aim to protect pacers from needless stress and test newcomers’ form and fitness, according to the publication. Meanwhile, comeback fast bowlers have greater chances in the T20I series against the Kiwis. PCB may bench Shaheen for three NZ T20Is.
PCB may bench Shaheen for three NZ T20Is
Leading fast bowlers like Shaheen may be rested for the first or full series against the visitors, which begins on April 18. PCB reinstated Babar Azam as T20I captain after Shaheen was replaced. The board’s quick dismissal of the skipper apparently upset him.
The players are at Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul for fitness training, and reports say Shaheen was surprised by the board’s comments. Shaheen stated that as a player, he should back Babar as captain. He reportedly worried about not being taken in confidence before making such a declaration.
Shaheen’s 23-year-old rejection of the assertion may have led to his T20I benching. The final decision will be made after watching his behaviour before the series. He may be in the squad against New Zealand but not in the Playing XI for the first three T20I matches at the Pindi Stadium, a source informed The News.
