Shaheen Afridi, one of Pakistan‘s prominent fast bowlers, is expected to miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh due to the impending birth of his first child. The series, scheduled to commence from August 21, marks Pakistan‘s return to Test cricket following a disappointing outing in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Shaheen Afridi’s family commitment takes priority
Shaheen and Ansha, daughter of legendary cricketer Shahid Afridi, solemnized their nikah at Zakaria Mosque in Karachi in February 2023. Their wedding and walima celebrations followed later that year, with the wedding ceremony held on September 19 at a local hotel in Karachi.
The event was graced by a host of cricketing personalities including Babar Azam, Misbah-ul-Haq, Saeed Anwer, Sohail Khan, Tanveer Ahmed and others, reflecting the couple’s strong ties within the cricketing community. The walima ceremony took place in Islamabad on September 21.
Support from Pakistan Cricket Board
Addressing Shaheen’s absence from the Test series, Pakistan‘s newly appointed red ball coach Jason Gillespie emphasized the board’s support for Shaheen’s family priorities. The two-match Test series against Bangladesh will commence with the first Test in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, followed by the second Test scheduled in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
“Shaheen can miss the Bangladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him some rest if he chooses to stay with his wife during this time,” Gillespie was quoted as saying by GeoTv.
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Recent controversies
Shaheen recently made headlines for reported conflicts, including a heated exchange with team management during Pakistan’s T20I tour of England before the T20 World Cup 2024. Speculation arose about disciplinary actions following further verbal exchanges during the World Cup, highlighting a challenging period for the star pacer.
Upcoming Test series and beyond
Following their disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s focus now shifts to the 2024-25 season of the World Test Championship (WTC), comprising nine Test matches. They are set to host Bangladesh and England in August and October respectively, followed by away series against South Africa in December/January and a home series against West Indies in January 2025.
Also READ: Fans react as Shaheen Afridi faces allegations of misconduct with Pakistan white-ball coach Gary Kirsten
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