Mahmood Defends Asif Afridi’s Selection Amidst Criticism

Lahore: Interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has responded to criticism surrounding the selection of uncapped spinner Asif Afridi in Pakistan’s Test team for the forthcoming two-match series against South Africa, commencing in Lahore on October 12. Mahmood staunchly defended Afridi’s inclusion.

Addressing the media, Mahmood emphasized Afridi’s consistent displays in domestic cricket, highlighting that selectors carefully weighed his potential and current form when finalizing the squad.

“He is an integral part of our 16-member team. Initially, we named 18 players and subsequently narrowed it down to 16, confirming his place in the core squad. He is not simply a net bowler,” Mahmood clarified.

“I fail to grasp the reasons for the objections. His track record over the past two years speaks for itself: he claimed 53 wickets last year and 27 this year. A bowler who has taken 80 wickets in domestic cricket undoubtedly warrants an opportunity. Age is immaterial; the crucial factor is the ability to secure 20 wickets in a match, and Asif is a gifted bowler poised for a promising career. While he may not have international experience, his domestic performances are undeniable,” he elaborated.

When questioned about the presence of white-ball head coach Mike Hesson at the Test training camp, Mahmood explained the working relationship.

“I serve as the head coach for red-ball cricket, while Mike Hesson leads the white-ball cricket team. His insights are invaluable, particularly with the upcoming ODI and T20I series. This collaborative approach is aimed at advancing Pakistan cricket,” he stated.

Mahmood also underscored Pakistan’s advantageous position as they approach the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.

“This marks the inaugural match of the World Test Championship where our players are actively engaged in cricket. Previously, our players participated in events like the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, county cricket, or the Asia Cup. This is the first instance where we are entering Championship Test matches with our players in optimal playing condition,” Mahmood explained.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s upcoming international engagements and planned strategies, he emphasized the significance of leveraging home conditions to gain momentum for the season.

“We are scheduled to play six Test matches at home, and, similar to other teams worldwide, we must capitalize on our home advantage. The strategy implemented last year, notably under Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy, proved effective. If we can secure victories in all six home Tests, we then have series in Bangladesh and the West Indies. We see significant opportunities ahead and are determined to maximize them,” he concluded.

Notably, the left-arm spinner has featured in 57 first-class matches, amassing 198 wickets at an economy rate of 2.92, including 13 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls.

Afridi also distinguished himself in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025-26, representing the FATA Region.

He concluded the tournament as the leading wicket-taker, with 33 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 2.33.

The upcoming series is particularly significant as it marks the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years and signifies the commencement of Pakistan’s new World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.

The first Test will be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

This series represents South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since January 2021, when the home side triumphed 2-0.

Following the Tests, the two teams will participate in a three-match T20I series from October 28 to November 1, with the first match in Rawalpindi and the subsequent two in Lahore.

The tour will conclude with a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Pakistan squad for South Africa Tests: Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.