Pakistan interim head coach and member of the selection committee Aqib Javed rested Shaheen Afridi from the Test series against South Africa to keep him fresh. However, Shaheen Afridi is set to make his debut in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) by joining reigning champions Fortune Barishal.
Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series against South Africa, starting later next week. Afridi, who was excluded from the Test squad, will play for Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025 season. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued him a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
Shaheen Afridi To Play For Fortune Barishal In The Upcoming BPL
Shaheen will join the Fortune Barishal squad, captained by Tamim Iqbal. The team features key players, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah, and international stars like Dawid Malan, Pathum Nissanka, Mohammad Nabi, Nandre Burger, and Kyle Mayers.
“Pakistani left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the upcoming BPL,” the franchise said in a statement, reported Cricbuzz.
The Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 season will begin on December 30, with a match between Fortune Barishal and newcomers Durbar Rajshahi at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
The T20 tournament will run until February 7 and feature seven franchises: Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Strikers.
Shaheen Afridi’s Exclusion From The Test Squad Is A Strategic Decision – Aqib Javed
Aqib Javed said that Shaheen was rested from the Test squad for the South Africa series. Javed stated that the decision was a strategic one to keep Afridi physically and mentally fresh for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” Javed said in an official statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
4th Dec, 2024 – Aaqib Javed said, “Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad (for SA series) is a strategic decision to keep him fresh for CT 2025.”
18th Dec, 2024 – Fortune Barishal signed Shaheen Afridi for the BPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/9cjvQBr8of
— 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 (@CallMeSheri1) December 18, 2024
Aqib Javed’s statement about Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad for BPL 2025 and Afridi’s signing with Fortune Barishal is contradictory. Many questioned Javed’s comments about Afridi’s rest from the Test series.
Pakistan Secured Three-Wicket Victory in Closely Fought First ODI Match
The left-arm pacer is currently playing in Pakistan’s three-match ODI series against South Africa. Afridi registered bowling figures of 1/46, including the key wicket of Heinrich Klaasen in the first ODI. Pakistan won the match by three wickets, with crucial contributions from Saim Ayub and Salman Agha.
Afridi will next be seen in action during the second ODI at Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday, December 19. The ODI series will conclude at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday. Notably, players from the Test squad will remain in South Africa, while white-ball players will return to Pakistan.