Shaheen Shah Afridi hits back at critics after missing Sydney Test

Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been in the eye of the storm ahead of the Sydney Test. It was announced that the 23-year-old has been rested for the game and replaced by Sajid Khan. This did not sit down well with some of the legendary Pakistani players.

Wasim Akram had voiced his displeasure on this move perhaps the quickest Pakistani pacer. During the first day of the final game, the Pakistani pacer responded to the criticism he was facing.

Batting first Pakistan were bowled out for 313 runs thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan, Aamer Jamal and Agha Salman. At the end of the day, Australia was placed at 6/0 with David Warner batting in his final Test.

Shaheen Afridi hits back at his critics –

23-year-old fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was speaking to the host broadcasters in Sydney during the final Test match. The question invariably turned to Afridi not being part of the game which had attracted loads of criticism.

Afridi responded by saying “I played two games, and a lot of overs to be honest. They are just managing my workload, the medical team, and the team management decided to take a rest for this Test”

Former Pakistani pacers Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram criticized the move and pinned the blame on Shaheen Afridi. The men in green are set to play five T20I games against Australia with Afridi set to lead the side.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Wasim Akram said, “It had nothing to with the management. It was a sole his decision. Do you want to be a great of the game or a millionaire? Straight after this, there are five T20Is versus New Zealand, and Shaheen is the captain.”

The former skipper also said “T20 Cricket, who cares? I understand it’s there for entertainment and it’s there for financial gain for the cricket board, for players, but the players should know that Test Cricket is the ultimate”

It hasn’t been a great Test Series for Shaheen Shah Afridi versus Australia so far. The pacer has picked just 8 wickets with 4/76 being his best during the second innings of the MCG Test.