Pakistan selector cites lack of 'pace' behind Shaheen Afridi's omission from Test squad

[ASFN Admin]

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Pakistan selection committee member Aqib Javed has explained why left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was left out of the Test squads for the upcoming tours of the West Indies and England, saying the decision was based on conditions and the team's requirements rather than the bowler's ability.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squads on Sunday, with Shaheen among the notable omissions.



Speaking to reporters after the squad announcement, Aqib said the selectors make decisions for each tour separately and no selection should be seen as deciding a player's long-term future.

"You make selections from tour to tour, and no selector or individual can decide someone's career or future," Aqib said, as quoted by Geo News.

He said Pakistan wanted more pace in their bowling attack after reviewing the previous Test series, and that was one of the main reasons behind the squad selection.

"After the last Test series, we felt that we needed more pace, which is why this squad has been selected for the West Indies and England tours," he said.

Aqib also said being left out of one squad does not mean the door is closed for any player. He added that those who miss out will have to perform well to earn another opportunity, while those selected now also have no guarantee of keeping their places.

"The players who have been left out will also have to perform to earn their place again. We cannot guarantee that because these bowlers have been picked now, they will continue playing for the next five years. It all depends on the conditions," he added.

The former Pakistan fast bowler also defended Shaheen, calling him one of the country's leading bowlers. He said players also need to decide which format they want to focus on, while workload management remains an important part of selection.

"Shaheen is an outstanding bowler. At times, you have to assess which format of cricket you want to focus on and where your greater interest lies," Aqib explained.

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