Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, has shed light on his absence from the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year. Afridi, known for his left-arm pace, faced significant backlash for sitting out of the crucial match, with initial reports suggesting it was his personal decision to skip the series’ final encounter.
With Pakistan already trailing in the series after losing the first two matches, the Sydney Test was pivotal to avoid a clean sweep. However, Afridi’s absence further compounded their challenges. Former Pakistan team director, Mohammad Hafeez, had previously disclosed that Afridi had approached him seeking a break from the third Test.
Afridi has now clarified that his absence was not a voluntary decision. Contrary to earlier reports, he asserts that he was unfit to participate in the match. He further revealed that it was not solely his decision to miss the game; rather, it was a collective decision taken by the team management and medical staff considering his fitness and upcoming commitments.
“I did not skip that Test match. It was the decision of the team management and medical panel because there was a lot of T20 cricket ahead. It was their way of managing my workload.
“If I had played that match, you might not have seen me with the team now, as my back and knees had become very stiff. Test cricket has always been my priority because that is the format which is going to give you recognition,” Shaheen Afridi told Cricwick.
Shaheen Afridi has responded to concerns regarding his bowling speed. Amidst speculation that injury setbacks may have affected his pace, Afridi remains steadfast in his belief that his speed has not diminished. He asserts:
“I don’t think my pace has dropped. I got a bit quicker in 2021. However, if you even see my debut, I’ve always clocked around 140 kmph with the new ball. Everyone will praise you when you pick wickets, and when you don’t, people will try to pinpoint negative things.”
Afridi is presently in the USA for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan’s performance in the tournament’s initial stages has been disappointing, putting them at risk of elimination during the group phase. With just one victory in their first three matches, Pakistan must secure a win in their final group match to keep their hopes alive for progressing to the Super 8s.
