Pakistan’s national cricket team is abuzz with news of fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child.
Jason Gillespie, the head coach of Pakistan’s red-ball cricket team, has confirmed that Ansha Afridi is due to give birth in the imminent days. Consequently, Shaheen Shah Afridi may miss the upcoming series against Bangladesh to prioritize spending time with his growing family.
In light of Afridi’s potential absence, Gillespie has announced that Shan Masood will step in as captain for the Test series. Notably, Gillespie recently held discussions with Babar Azam in Lahore, indicating strategic planning for the team’s upcoming fixtures.
The Bangladesh cricket team is slated to tour Pakistan in the third week of August for a crucial two-Test series, integral to the World Test Championship. The first Test is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from August 21 to 25, followed by the second Test in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.
However, amidst the anticipation of the series, reports have surfaced regarding pacer Shaheen Afridi’s alleged misconduct involving head coach Gary Kirsten and other support staff during the Ireland-England tour and the T20 World Cup 2024. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman has reportedly received complaints from coaches regarding disciplinary infractions and the overall conduct of players, raising concerns within the team’s management.
As the cricketing world awaits the developments surrounding Shaheen Shah Afridi’s family joy and the upcoming series against Bangladesh, the team’s dynamics and preparations remain under scrutiny, emphasizing the need for cohesion and discipline within the squad.