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LAHORE: Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.
Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.
Initially, Pakistan named an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series, including three uncapped players, Rohail Nazir, Faisal Akram, and Asif Afridi. However, the team was trimmed to 16, releasing Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram.
Notably, the question arose on Asif’s inclusion in the squad, with critics citing his age.
Asif Afridi topped the bowling chart in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy, where he picked up 33 wickets in just five matches at an impressive average of 12.55 including five three wicket hauls.
Azhar, addressing the media, dismissed the notion of the spinner being an outlier in the squad, citing his past two years’ performances.
“He is part of our squad, and he is not selected just to do nets. I don’t know who is objecting,” he said when asked about Asif Afridi’s inclusion.
“If you look back at his performances over the past two years — he took 53 wickets last year and 27 this year, making it 80 in total. I don’t understand what the objection is about. Obviously if someone points out his age, then ‘age is just a number’,” he continued.
He also mentioned South Africa’s 36-year-old Simon Harmer, emphasizing his 20 wickets in a Test match, alongside mentioning concussion protocols.
“South Africa has also included Simon Harmer, who is 37 or 38 years old. You need to consider how you will take 20 wickets and who’s capable of doing that. We wanted experience, and keeping concussion protocol in mind, you have to see who can provide that option.
Azhar lauded Asif Afridi’s bowling and concluded with best wishes for the bowler. “He is a wonderful bowler and have a bright future.”
The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
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