Muhammad Hafeez, Director of the Pakistan crew, revealed that Shaheen Shah Afridi approached him with a request to take a break from the third and last Test towards Australia at Sydney, opposite to the idea that it was the crew administration’s resolution to relaxation the left-arm pacer. Australia defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at SCG on Saturday to finish a 3-0 collection win. “We took the decision to rest Shaheen and manage his workload because we didn’t want his body to be adversely affected,” Hafeez mentioned after the third Test towards Australia.

The resolution to relaxation Afridi for the ultimate Test got here as a shock to the Pakistani cricket group.

Pakistan quick bowling greats, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, additionally tore into the crew administration for his or her resolution to relaxation Afridi for the Test.

In the wake of the hue and cry on the primary day of the Sydney Test, Afridi had informed the host broadcasters that the crew administration and help workers felt he ought to relaxation from the match.

However, Hafeez mentioned Afridi has shouldered an enormous workload since his return from damage final 12 months, and he deserved a break.

“We felt it was best if we could give him a break and manage his workload. I don’t know what’s happened previously, but at this time, I wanted to make sure that no bowler’s career is spoiled because their workload is not being managed,” Hafeez mentioned.

The former all-rounder additionally insisted that Afridi’s relaxation from the Sydney Test had no reference to him being named because the Pakistan captain for the five-match T20I collection in New Zealand, ranging from January 12.

“Shaheen did not rest as he wanted to play T20 cricket. It’s clear that his body was a bit sore. He wasn’t feeling very comfortable that his body would be able to respond appropriately.

As the team director, I have to ensure that no player goes into a zone where he suffers an injury,” Hafeez mentioned.

Hafeez additionally dropped a touch that premier batter Babar Azam additionally may very well be rested, if the necessity arises.

“We have utmost confidence in Babar’s ability to perform even though he is going through a lean patch. But if it is needed, he can be given a break. But we will speak to him to find out what he wants,” Hafeez added.

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