Shaheen Afridi Axed After Pakistan's Shocking Loss to Bangladesh

Pakistan Cricket Board Announces Changes Following Team's Dismal Performance

Star Pacer's Injury and Lackluster Batting Contributed to Defeat

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the decision to drop star pacer Shaheen Afridi from the Test squad following Pakistan's humiliating defeat in the first Test match against Bangladesh. The left-arm quick was ruled out of the match due to a knee injury, but his absence was keenly felt as Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the Bangladeshi batsmen.

Afridi, who is ranked as the world's No. 1 Test bowler, has been a key figure in Pakistan's success in recent years, but his absence left a gaping hole in the team's attack. The PCB has expressed its disappointment with the team's performance and has made it clear that changes are needed for the remainder of the series.

In addition to Afridi's injury, Pakistan's batting also failed to live up to expectations. The top-order batsmen struggled to cope with the Bangladeshi bowlers, and the team was bundled out for a paltry 218 runs in the first innings. This left the bowlers with an insurmountable task, and Bangladesh duly took advantage to claim a famous victory.

The PCB has not yet announced a replacement for Afridi, but it is likely that uncapped pacer Naseem Shah will be called up to the squad. Shah has impressed with his performances for Pakistan's A team and domestic cricket, and he could get a chance to make his Test debut in the second match of the series.

Conclusion

Pakistan's defeat to Bangladesh has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. The team was expected to win comfortably, but they were outplayed in all departments of the game. The absence of Shaheen Afridi was a major factor in the defeat, but the batsmen also failed to perform. The PCB has made it clear that changes are needed, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds in the second Test match.