PAK vs NZ: Shaheen Afridi rested for first two T20Is

• Shaheen Afridi might miss the first 2 T20Is vs New Zealand.
• This is part of a rotation strategy to manage workload.
• PCB wants to avoid injuries by resting key bowlers.

Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s leading fast bowler, might be absent for the first two T20Is of the forthcoming five-match series against New Zealand on home ground, as reported by Geo News on Monday.

Insiders have revealed that the decision to give Shaheen a break is part of the team’s rotation strategy, implemented in anticipation of this year’s T20 World Cup, with the aim of managing the players’ workload.

Shaheen might not participate in the initial matches in Rawalpindi, but is expected to play in the last three matches of the series.

It’s worth noting that Shaheen was recently replaced as captain of the T20I team by Babar Azam.

The PCB stated that the change was “a strategic move aimed at ensuring player well-being and peak performance”.

“While Shaheen Afridi has undeniably proven himself as a star fast bowler, leading Pakistan’s pace attack over the years, the board recognises the importance of rotation and rest to maintain his peak performance. This decision aligns with board’s commitment to safeguarding the longevity of the players, especially fast bowlers given their injury timelines in the past two years,” the PCB further explained.

“Keeping in mind workload management, this decision is to ensure Pakistan main bowlers remain at the top of their game. The board does not want the national men’s team to run into injury crisis concerning the bowling resoucres as seen before the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where Shaheen had to bee closely looked after and ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, where the team didn’t have the services of Naseem Shah.”

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