Afridi requested for break from third Test towards Australia, says Pakistan group director Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez, director of the Pakistan group, revealed that Shaheen Afridi approached him with a request to take a break from the third and remaining Test towards Australia in Sydney, opposite to the idea that it was the group administration’s resolution to relaxation the left-arm pacer.

Australia defeated Pakistan by eight wickets on the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday to finish a 3-0 collection win.

“We took the decision to rest Shaheen and manage his workload because we didn’t want his body to be adversely affected,” Hafeez stated after the third Test towards Australia.

Afridi’s absence for the ultimate Test got here as a shock to the Pakistani cricket neighborhood. Fast bowling greats, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, tore into the group administration for his or her resolution to relaxation Afridi for the Test.

In the wake of the hue and cry on the primary day of the Sydney Test, Afridi had informed the host broadcasters that the group administration and assist employees felt he ought to relaxation from the match.

However, Hafeez stated Afridi has shouldered a large workload since his return from damage final 12 months, and he deserved a break.

“We felt it was best if we could give him a break and manage his workload. I don’t know what’s happened previously, but at this time, I wanted to make sure that no bowler’s career is spoiled because their workload is not being managed,” Hafeez stated.

The former all-rounder additionally insisted that Afridi’s relaxation from the Sydney Test had no reference to him being named because the Pakistan captain for the five-match T20I collection in New Zealand, ranging from January 12.

“Shaheen did not rest because he wanted to play T20 cricket. It’s clear that his body was a bit sore. He wasn’t feeling very comfortable that his body would be able to respond appropriately.

As the team director, I have to ensure that no player goes into a zone where he suffers an injury,” Hafeez stated.

Hafeez additionally dropped a touch that premier batter Babar Azam additionally might be rested, if the necessity arises.

“We have utmost confidence in Babar’s ability to perform even though he is going through a lean patch. But if it is needed, he can be given a break. But we will speak to him to find out what he wants,” Hafeez added.