PCB releases Shaheen Afridi from Pakistan Test squad

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been released from the Test squad. 

The team management made this decision to give Shaheen the opportunity to spend time with his family, as he recently became a father and welcomed a baby boy named Aliyaar.

Shaheen, who played the first Test match held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from August 20 to 25, was not be part of the 12-member squad announced on Thursday for the second clash.

During a press conference yesterday, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Jason Gillespie explained that the decision was made after careful consideration of various factors, including Shaheen’s recent workload and personal circumstances.

"Shaheen will sit out of this game. I had a good conversation with him, and he fully understands and appreciates the reasoning behind this decision. We're looking for the best combination for this game, and this is our direction. As I mentioned, we will assess the conditions in the morning and decide on the exact makeup of our bowling attack. Shaheen has received some feedback, and he’s had an interesting couple of weeks—he’s a new father, he's playing all three formats, and we're seeing an opportunity to allow him to spend time with his family as well," Gillespie said.

The first day’s play of the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was abandoned due to persistent rain and a soggy outfield.

Bangladesh currently leads the two-match Test series 1-0 following their impressive performance in the first Test.