ROTTERDAM: Pakistan ace-pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to miss the first two matches of the upcoming ODI series against the Netherlands, confirmed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday.
According to the PCB, the left-arm pacer has been ruled out of the first two games as he is currently undergoing rehabilitation after he pulled a knee injury during the Sri Lanka tour.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has the opportunity to set another record for himself as a century in the forthcoming ODI series will make him the first Pakistan captain to score 10 tons.
Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, on the other hand, needs to score 18 runs in the upcoming series to complete one thousand runs in ODI cricket.
Earlier Babar, in a press conference ahead of the team’s departure for the Netherlands also hinted at Shaheen’s possible absence as he revealed that the left-arm pacer will be rested at least for the first two ODIs, while at the same time expressing his desire for Shaheen to regain his fitness before Asia Cup 2022.
“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,” Babar said.
“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 maintained.
Despite a knee injury, Shaheen was named for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Besides Shaheen, Pakistan all-format captain Babar also opened up on the ouster of the right-arm pacer Hasan Ali by stating that the latter has a chance to regain his form by playing domestic cricket.
“Our fast-bowling bench strength is excellent. They’ve now got an opportunity to showcase their skills. This is how you expand your pool,” Babar asserted.
“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,” he maintained.
It is pertinent to mention here that the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Netherlands will kick start on August 16. Whereas, the Green Shirts will start their Asia Cup 2022 campaign on August 28 against India.
READ: Bangladesh Cricket Board unveils squad for Asia Cup 2022
