‘Because of Shahid Afridi’: Basit Ali opens up about Shaheen Afridi’s exclusion against England | Cricket News – Times of India

Shaheen Afridi (AP Photo)

Pakistan faces criticism after key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah were dropped from the squad for the second and third Tests against England. Former cricketer Basit Ali expressed his discontent, particularly over Shaheen’s exclusion.
This situation has led to criticism and concerns about the fairness of the selection process within Pakistani cricket.
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed concern over the decisions made by the cricket selectors regarding players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Basit Ali specifically commented on Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion, suggesting a possible bias. Shaheen Shah Afridi was always the target of the selectors and it is solely because of his father-in-law Shahid Afridi, Basit Ali stated.
He further mentioned that the flat pitch prepared for the match was intended to limit Shaheen’s effectiveness, making it easier for the selectors to justify his removal for the next Test.
Basit Ali suggested that Shaheen Afridi was unfairly targeted due to his link with former all-rounder Shahid Afridi. He stated, “A batting pitch was made for their benefit. It was Babar’s bad luck that he was out of form and got out on such a pitch. However, the target was always Shaheen Afridi. It was because of Shahid Afridi.”
He further advised Shahid Afridi to be cautious in his relationships, saying, “I want to give a message to Shahid Afridi that he needs to identify his friends and enemies. Not everyone who speaks with a smile is your friend. You are not thinking about how subtly these guys work. Because you are a devotee of Allah, there’s nothing to fear.”
In the first Test in Multan, Pakistan posted 556 runs, thanks to centuries from Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, and Agha Salman. However, England responded with a strong performance. Joe Root and Harry Brook scored a double century and a triple hundred respectively, declaring at 823/7.
England triumphed by an innings and 47 runs. Shaheen Afridi managed to take just one wicket and was subsequently dropped from the team.

Pakistan is set to face England in the second Test starting October 15 in Multan.