In another chapter of Pakistan cricket’s off-field controversies, star pacer Shaheen Afridi finds himself sidelined by the PCB selectors under allegations of “disobedience.” Despite his stellar performance in Pakistan’s historic 3-0 ODI series win, Afridi was left out of the Test squad for the Boxing Day match, where Pakistan fielded four pacers.

According to the reports by Cricket Pakistan, the fallout began when a PCB selector instructed Afridi to participate in a domestic four-day match. Afridi’s inability to comply was reportedly seen as disobedience, resulting in his exclusion. A similar situation arose before when former captain Babar Azam ignored the PCB, who still secured his place in the squad.

Sources close to the cricketer dismiss any notion of a lack of commitment, stating that the fast bowler remains eager to play Test cricket. Following the ODI series, he offered to stay on for the Test matches, waiting for approval from team management. However, this gesture reportedly went unanswered, prompting the batter to exit the tour.

The 24-year-old batter’s absence not only weakens Pakistan’s bowling lineup but also highlights persistent issues within the PCB’s communication and player management.