Shahid Afridi being praised for adding top performers to Test squad

Shahid Afridi, Chair of Men’s Interim Selection Committee, is being praised for adding three top performers to the Pakistan Test squad.

Dr Nauman Niaz took to Twitter to pay tribute to Shahid Afridi. “Impressive. That’s out of the box. Well done Shahid Afridi,” he tweeted.

Praising Shahid, Rashed Lateed described the decision as an innovative idea and expressed hope the youngsters will make the best of the opportunity and that the experience will help them develop according to their needs.

Innovative idea to provide international level exposure to future stars. Hope the youngsters will make the best of the opportunity and the experience will help them develop according to the needs of 🇵🇰 Dressing Room. https://t.co/eqFVMZOXmH

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) December 27, 2022

According to a PCB statement, As part of its strategy and vision to develop, grow and incentivise high-performing talented youngsters, the Men’s Interim Selection Committee have added three top performers from age-group cricket to the Pakistan Test squad.

The three players are all-rounder Arafat Minhas (Multan), top-order batter Basit Ali (Dera Murad Jamali) and right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan (Faisalabad).

Shahid Afridi said: “We are not only looking at the present but also have an eye on the future. In this relation, we have added three top performers from our age-group cricket so that they can spend time with their stars on the national side and learn how to plan and prepare for high-pressure matches.

“Although the three players will not be available for selection, this initiative will fast track their progress and provide them better awareness, understanding and knowledge about the rigours and demands of top-grade cricket.”