Shahid Afridi: “Shahzaib should have been picked first because he has the most runs”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Legendary Pakistan power-hitter Shahid Afridi said opening batter Shahzaib Khan should be the first in line for selection given his strong domestic performances.
Shahzaib, who has yet to make his international debut, has been particularly impressive in List A cricket, where he averages 57.61 after 16 matches. Across other formats, he averages 34.69 in first-class cricket and 26.81 in T20s.
Considering the 20-year-old’s potential, Afridi believes it is time for the selectors to start picking talented youngsters in place of national team players who are falling short of expectations.
“Shahzaib should have been picked first because he has the most runs,” Afridi was quoted as saying by Geo Super.
Pakistan recently toured the West Indies for two Test matches, which ended as a 1-1 draw.
They will be back in action soon as they will take on England in a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13.
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah