‘Supporting The Selectors’ Decision’: Shahid Afridi’s Latest Post On Babar-Shaheen-Naseem Axe Raises Eyebrows

Former Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi's latest 'X' post supporting the decision to bench Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah has raised quite some eyebrows on social media. Pakistan suffered a sixth successive Test defeat in the series opener against England and are now 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series.

After their most recent setback, an innings defeat to England in the first of three Tests, the Pakistan team management made a bold move to drop three of their top players, Babar, Shaheen and Naseem. Even as there was immense hue and cry, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood said that the trio was 'rested' and not benched.

Despite Shaheen having a personal relationship with him, Shahid supported the decision to rest him and the two other key players.

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"Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen and Naseem a break from international cricket. This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench strength for the future," Shahid tweeted.

Supporting the selectors’ decision to give Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem a break from international cricket. This move not only helps protect and extend the careers of these champion players but also gives a great opportunity to test and groom emerging talent, building strong bench…

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 14, 2024

Babar, Shaheen and Naseem didn't have a great time in the first Test against England but the move to rest all three for the two Tests came as a shocker.

While Babar scored just 35 runs across two innings, Shaheen and Naseem picked three wickets between themselves while giving away 277 runs in 57 overs.

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Several fans reacted to Shahid's tweet. One user wrote, "Virat had a Down fall of more than 2 years and nobody talk about it. And in Pakistan they don't back their main players."

Another user wrote, "Kudos to the selectors. Preserving Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem ensures their longevity, while fresh talent getting a shot strengthens the team’s future."

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bat first in the second Test in Multan.