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Shaheen Afridi likely to miss Sri Lanka Tests

The decision could be taken due to workload management

By Syed Yahya Hussaini

June 13, 2023

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ace speedster Shaheen Afridi is likely to miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

According to sources, the lanky pacer could be rested, due to workload management ahead of the World Cup this year, during next month’s assignment.

Sri Lanka Cricket will announce the schedule of the two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship, soon.

Earlier, it was also reported that Pakistan are unlikely to play ODI matches during their Test tour of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Cricket and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had discussed the possibility of playing ODI matches alongside the two-match Test series between the two sides. However, according to sources, the idea is likely to be dropped due to unforeseen circumstances.

Shaheen is currently playing in England's T20 Blast for Nottinghamshire, where has claimed 13 wickets in nine matches.

The lanky pacer said the benefit of the experience of playing league cricket is that he can share the knowledge gained with other players too when he will return home.

"We play with and against such players who perform at the international level too. So it becomes easier to plan the way I should be bowling to them later on," Shaheen told Geo News last month.

"So it’s good for the personal experience but also will be helpful to enhance my performance which will indeed be very beneficial later on for the World Cup preparations and to build a good momentum before that," he added.

It must be noted that Pakistan will participate in the World Cup in India in October-November this year.