All-rounder Shahid Afridi has requested PCB not consider him for selection in the two-match test series of the Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024.
Afridi’s request has solidified the selection problems for the South Africa series since middle-order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar are already doubtful for the test matches due to contrasting reasons.
When chief selector Salahudding Ahmad neither deny nor admitted that Afridi has made such a request.
“The truth is Shaheen himself requested he not be considered for Test matches until the Champions Trophy is over,” a source said.
However, sources told that Afridi was not keen on playing during the month of Ramazan since he had experienced some physical disorder during the T20 World Cup Championship matches due to fasting.
“He assured the management and board the money was very good and he would look after his fitness and workload during the event so he should be permitted to play in the league,” the source said.
“Shaheen said he would be fully fit in time for the tri-series ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa followed by the Champions Trophy at home,” the source said.
“Shaheen told Aaqib he can be selected for tests once the Champions Trophy is completed,” he added.
🎥 Celebration moments! The team rejoices following the historic ODI series sweep over South Africa 🫂✨#SAvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Lfy8xPIyMu
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 24, 2024
Meanwhile Yousuf’s availability for the series will be confirmed after his meeting with the PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Thursday. Sources has said that the chances of Yousuf changing his decision on the ICL affiliation were remote since no clause in the central contract bound him to do the same.
The national selection committee is also likely to consider Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed, Asim Kamal, and Sohail Tanvir for the test series agianst South Africa.
The Men in Green recently scripted a 3-0 ODI series win against Proteas, with test series scheduled to begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.
