Shaheen to be rested for at least two ODIs against Netherlands: Babar Azam

Shaheen Shah Afridi News: In order to get Shaheen Shah Afridi back in time for the Asia Cup, the Pakistani squad is trying to manage his “long-term workload and health,” according to captain Babar Azam. Hasan Ali’s departure from the team creates an opportunity for less experienced fast bowlers to make a name for themselves in the Netherlands, especially as Babar thinks the circumstances will be comparable to what England puts up and thus likely favorable to fast bowlers.

As part of the traveling team, Haris Rauf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim are all anticipated to play significant roles in the three ODIs.

Before Pakistan’s departure for the Netherlands, Babar stated at a news conference, “We’re taking a couple of doctors on the way to take care of Shaheen. We’re looking long-term at his fitness and health. We want him to play a game against the Netherlands if he’s fit and be ready for the Asia Cup. Our combination is quite good. In T20s the middle order responded well to challenges.”

The choice of Pakistan’s opening bowling tandem will be of special interest because, despite Afridi’s dependable talent, Pakistan has struggled in ODIs in this area. At some point or another, Rauf, Dahani, and Wasim have all taken the new ball. Since the 2019 World Cup, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, and Usman Shinwari have also done so. Apart from Afridi, Haris and Hasan have frequently been given this duty. They have the worst economy and strike rate with it. That will be a weakness Babar hopes to address in Afridi’s absence adequately.

In addition, Shoaib Malik’s rumored return to the team ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup looked to be shot down by Babar, who emphasized the value of supporting the young players chosen to take his place.

Babar or any of his teammates may not have a need for anything or require an introduction in Pakistan, but the same cannot be said for other athletes who compete in sports other than cricket. Babar lavishly praised Pakistan’s most accomplished athletes at the Commonwealth Games, when the nation won gold medals in both the weightlifting and javelin throwing competitions. He pleaded for more help for players in all sports, lamenting the “inadequate” facilities they had access to.