Basit Ali Voices Displeasure Over Shaheen Afridi’s Exclusion from Bangladesh Series

Former cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his discontent regarding the omission of left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently revealed the 15-member team for the series, which will be led by all-rounder Salman Ali Agha.

Notably absent are senior players Shaheen, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, prompting questions about their future involvement in the national T20I team.

Basit Ali questioned the selection process, expressing his surprise at Shaheen’s exclusion. He shared his sentiment on X, along with a picture of Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Shaheen’s most recent T20I appearance was in March during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand for a five-match series.

Pakistan is scheduled to play three T20Is against Bangladesh on July 20, 22, and 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Prior to their departure, the 15-member Pakistan squad, along with five additional national cricketers, will participate in a white-ball and pre-series camp at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from July 9 to 15. The additional players include Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

The PCB mentioned in a statement that members of Pakistan’s T20I squad will gather in Karachi, and the additional players for the white-ball camp will also report on the same day.

Pakistan Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Players Called Up for the Camp:

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Series Schedule in Bangladesh:
  • July 16 – Pakistan men’s team arrival
  • July 20 – First T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
  • July 22 – Second T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)
  • July 24 – Third T20I at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka (6pm local time)