Shaheen Afridi likely to miss ODI series against the Netherlands

The first match of the series will be played on August 16.

Pakistan star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to miss the ODI series against the Netherlands, slated to start on August 16. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has admitted the fact that the left-arm pacer will be rested at least for the first two ODI encounters.

The Men in Green, after facing the Netherlands in the ODI fixture, will face arch-rivals India in their opening encounter of the 2022 Asia Cup. To note, both India and Pakistan will meet again during the 2022 T20 World Cup slated to be played in October this year.

We’re looking long-term at his fitness and health: Babar Azam on Shaheen Afridi

“We’re looking long-term at his fitness and health. We want him to play a game against the Netherlands if he’s fit and be ready for the Asia Cup,” said Babar Azam in a press conference.

“We have eleven trump cards. Each of them can be a matchwinner on their day. I have faith in every one of them, whether batters or bowlers,” he added.

The left-arm seamer is currently out of action owing to a knee injury, but he was named for the upcoming Asia Cup. Pakistan team management will want Shaheen to get fit before their all-important clash against the Men in Blue.

Babar also talked about pacer Hasan Ali who was omitted from the squad. He said that the right-arm pacer has the chance to regain his form in domestic cricket and make a comeback to the national team.

“Our fast-bowling bench strength is excellent. They’ve now got an opportunity to showcase their skills. This is how you expand your pool. Yes, he’s (Ali) not in form, but it’s not like he has to prove anything. Domestic cricket is coming up. He’ll play that and make a strong comeback hopefully,” Babar added.

The Men in Green are in excellent white-ball form, and they will want to continue their good performance against the Netherlands and in the upcoming 2022 T20 Asia Cup.