Afridi asks Pakistan to include Shan, Sarfaraz for Karachi Test

Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi Tuesday suggested bringing back Shan Masood and Sarfaraz Ahmad in team for the third and final Test of the three-match Pakistan vs England series in Karachi to strengthen its batting, reported 24News HD TV channel.

Sarfaraz, who has played 49 Test matches, has not featured in the longest format for Pakistan since January 2019. Meanwhile, Shan has not donned the whites for Pakistan since January 2021.

“The players who are out of the side such as Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shan Masood should be given a chance. The players who have done well in domestic cricket deserve an opportunity since we are now also out of the race for the World Test Championship,” Afridi said during an event in Karachi.

Afridi also lauded the England team for playing an aggressive brand of cricket in Test matches.

“England have played outstanding cricket. Their captain has made the difference with his decision-making,” he said. “The approach of their coach has been very positive which is a refreshing sight.”

Afridi said Pakistan are already out of World Test Championship final race after the loss of the series to England.

PCB chief Ramiz Raja is in favour of drop-in pitches in the country to improve the quality, however, Afridi thinks otherwise.

Afridi said the pitches can be made in Pakistan and they know how to make the pitches.

He said if the good players are given a chance they would perform well.

The third and final Test of the series is in Karachi from December 17-21.