Shaheen Shah Afridi Left Out of Pakistan's Test Squad for South Africa Tour

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In a surprising move, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been excluded from Pakistan's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa in December and January. Despite being released from Pakistan's Test side following their defeat in the first Test against England in October, Afridi remains part of the white-ball squads for the tour. However, his absence from the Test matches indicates that the red-ball format is becoming less of a priority for him, a decision that might have long-term implications for his career. When Afridi was initially dropped in October, many believed that the pace-friendly surfaces in South Africa, where he played his second and third Test matches five years ago, would suit him better as he sought to regain form. Since his return from a knee injury sustained during a Test in Sri Lanka in July 2022, Afridi has struggled to make an impact in Tests, taking only 17 wickets at an average of 45.47 in six matches. His omission from the South Africa Tests now casts doubt on his chances of being included in Pakistan's home Test series against the West Indies in January, after which Pakistan has no Test matches scheduled until October 2025. Mohammad Abbas returns to the Test side, having last played in 2021. Known for his accuracy and ability to seam the ball, Abbas is the only fast bowler from the squad that toured South Africa in 2018-19. The decision to include him suggests that Pakistan is banking on experience to navigate the challenging conditions in South Africa. Notably, Sajid Khan has been left out of the squad. Despite his crucial role in Pakistan's series against England, where he and Noman Ali helped turn the series around with their spin bowling, Pakistan has opted to travel with just one spinner for the South Africa series, choosing Noman's left-arm orthodox spin over Sajid's off-spin. Abrar Ahmed, once considered Pakistan's premier Test spinner, has also been omitted. Khurram Shahzad's return to the Test side is another significant development. After a rib injury sidelined him following Pakistan's home Tests against Bangladesh in August, Shahzad has made a strong comeback, taking 13 wickets in two Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches and another 15 in three innings against Sri Lanka A. Pakistan's Test squad appears to lack high pace, a critical asset in South African conditions. Naseem Shah remains the only true fast bowler, while the rest of the squad comprises Aamer Jamal, Shahzad, Abbas, and Mir Hamza. This contrasts sharply with South Africa's fast-bowling arsenal, known for its pace and aggression. The white-ball squads for the South Africa tour remain relatively stable, with few changes from the teams that played in Australia. Sufiyan Muqeem's impressive performances in Zimbabwe have earned him a spot in both the ODI and T20I squads. Omair Yousuf also retains his place in the T20I squad. Pakistan's tour of South Africa includes three T20Is and three ODIs between December 10 and 22, followed by two Test matches in Centurion and Cape Town starting on December 26 and January 7. Historically, South Africa has been a challenging venue for Pakistan, with only two Test victories and no series wins. 

Pakistan Squads for South Africa Tour 

Test Squad: - Shan Masood (capt) - Saud Shakeel (vice-capt) - Aamir Jamal - Abdullah Shafique - Babar Azam - Haseebullah (wk) - Kamran Ghulam - Khurram Shahzad - Mir Hamza - Mohammad Abbas - Mohammad Rizwan (wk) - Naseem Shah - Noman Ali - Saim Ayub - Salman Ali Agha 

ODI Squad: - Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk) - Abdullah Shafique - Abrar Ahmed - Babar Azam - Haris Rauf - Kamran Ghulam - Mohammad Hasnain - Muhammad Irfan Khan - Naseem Shah - Saim Ayub - Salman Ali Agha - Shaheen Shah Afridi - Sufiyan Muqeem - Tayyab Tahir - Usman Khan (wk) 

T20I Squad: - Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk) - Abrar Ahmed - Babar Azam - Haris Rauf - Jahandad Khan - Mohammad Abbas Afridi - Mohammad Hasnain - Muhammad Irfan Khan - Omair Bin Yousuf - Saim Ayub - Salman Ali Agha - Shaheen Shah Afridi - Sufyan Moqim - Tayyab Tahir - Usman Khan (wk) 

In last resort

The exclusion of Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test squad raises questions about the future direction of Pakistan's cricket strategy, especially in the red-ball format. The team management must address these issues and ensure a balanced and competitive squad for future tours.

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After laying eggs in Ireland, World T20I event, losing home-series against Bangladesh Cricket - I am thinking for quitting writing for Pakistan Cricket

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At this moment, as I pen these words, my disposition is such that I am disinclined to extol Pakistan cricket. This sentiment stems from my observations that when foreign curators are involved, they tend to prepare pitches that offer equal support to both teams. I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions rather than lauding players for attributes they may not possess.

What do I mean by that?

Adapting to various options and scenarios is a theme I've often discussed in my blog posts. As a Pakistani, I've observed certain patterns, particularly when I began writing about Pakistan cricket during the defense of their World T20I championship in the Caribbean Islands. I recall the match against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost, and even then, I noticed small fissures. Despite this, as a patriotic Pakistani and cricket fan, I defended the team. I remember dancing to Call the band's "Badal Do Zamana" during that period. However, those minor cracks, which I once overlooked, have now become evident and are eroding at a fundamental level. Rather than addressing these issues, there has been a shift away from continuity and consistency. This is mirrored in the personal challenges I face within my family, where respect for the individual is often sacrificed for the pursuit of power. Power should come with an equal measure of responsibility, yet there seems to be a hunger for power without the accompanying sense of duty. This lack of accountability is not just a problem at the top; it has permeated down to the individual level. Society seeks validation without considering the examples they set for others to emulate.

Shameless Society, Shameless Cricket Board, and Shameless Cricket itself

Our society often exhibits a narcissistic mindset, showing little concern for the impact of their actions on their own offspring, seeking instead to establish a legacy for themselves. Similarly, as the offspring grow, they tend to settle old scores, perpetuating the cycle on a micro level. This pattern is mirrored in our corporate structures, including organizations like cricket boards and others.

Accountability matters

There is a significant difference between Accountability and Subjective Accountability. Islam promotes the concept of Accountability, while it disapproves of Subjective Accountability. However, due to societal hypocrisy, these distinctions often seem inconsequential.

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A strong Pakistani comeback into Dhaka Test

SITUATION AT STUMPS - DAY 4

Bangladesh 76 for 7 (Sajid 6-35) 

Pakistan 300-4 (Babar 76, Azhar 56, Taijul 2-73)

trail by 224 runs 

I do not want myself to be seen anything like Athar Ali Khan, but today's performance of Pakistan team needs appreciation, because today's performance both with bat and ball made sure that Pakistan has slight chance of winning the second test while still a 55% chances of Bangladesh saving the match, which is also mentioned on Cricinfo but now time is the constraint as four sessions remain before Pakistan would be packing their bags for Pakistan, to play against Windies at Karachi.

Mystery Bowler in Sajid Khan

Newbie in Sajid Khan made sure that Bangladesh
would be fighting to avoid following on

Pakistan got busy as soon as play commenced at 10:50am. They first declaring on 300 for four, with half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Then, despite being hamstrung by the umpires' diktat that play wouldn't continue if they operate with fast bowlers, Pakistan made inroads with spin.

On Tuesday, play was called off at 4.30pm, an hour before scheduled close. Conditions continued to remain murky all day. Yet, it was better than on the three previous days where heavy rain allowed just 63.2 overs to be bowled in the Test.

Sajid Khan's maiden six-wicket haul left Bangladesh in danger of being made to follow-on with one day of the Dhaka Test to go. It remains to be seen if the weather will halt Pakistan's push for full WTC points, though.

Debutant Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried to charge off spinner Sajid, only managing to edge to slip. Then, Hasan Ali made his presence felt at point, first with a simple catch to dismiss Shadman Islam before running out Mominul Haque with a direct hit.

Mushfiqur Rahim was the next to go, one ball after surviving a close lbw call, as he tried to swing Sajid across the line with Fawad taking the catch at short midwicket. Then, Liton Das, sent ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, tried to attack Sajid but only hit one back to the bowler as Bangladesh slipped to 46 for 5.

Sajid then completed his five-for when he trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto for 30. Shanto couldn't capitalise on his reprieves, first being dropped on 13 and later when he was caught behind off a Nauman Ali no-ball.

Shakib tried to bristle his way for runs, but Bangladesh kept losing wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz became Sajid's sixth victim. Shakib and Taijul Islam then survived 5.2 overs before play was called off.

Pakistan had earlier declared their first innings on 300 immediately after Fawad reached his second Test half-century. Rizwan made an unbeaten 53 off 94 balls, with the pair's unbroken fifth-wicket stand worth 103.

Rizwan endured slices of luck; he was dropped on 30 apart from surviving two lbw calls from the on-field umpires, both reversed through DRS.

Bangladesh had started well with pacers Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed bowling well in tandem, with the wickets of Azhar Ali and Babar Azam respectively. It was Khaled's first Test wicket, having bowled 69.4 overs over three Tests since his debut in November 2018.

When it comes to the Ashes

Tomorrow at 5 am Pakistan time (+5 GMT) and likewise 12 am Greenwich Meridian Time, England would be locking horns against their rivals Australia in Australia, hence this is gonna be something to worth watching, if there were India-Pakistan games, only than I won't had taken that much of the interest, but whatever the circumstances, the longest cricket format is likely to be watchable either in Australia and/or England, just because of different factors, 

1. the Crowd
2. Ambiance at ground
3. Production and broadcast quality and standard
4. On-Ground Theming
   

On-Ground theming

This is something many of my fellow Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan friends would be thinking that یہ لڑکا کیا اول فول بک رہا ہے but Australian, British and Proteas ground advertisement does complement their theming, unlike Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Lankan grounds, where use of theming colours on on-ground advertisement does look obnoxious because just imagine you're watching a game in either of the South Asian countries, instead of watching a complementary colour schema as yellow, orange, black etc are always seen, including India who're now incorporated with electronic on-ground advertisement, but still they way colour combinations are used during British, Australian, New Zealand and Proteas games, which is pleasing to the eyes.

One of the most anticipated series was the one between Australia and India in Australia where heavy usage of electronic advertisement was implemented. Along with the sporting excellence on display during the last two games between these two sides, technological brilliance is also witnessed by the sponsors.

In the first two one day international games, virtual advertisements have been used in Australia. The main sponsors of the series were not painted or laid down on the ground. The technology was used by the broadcast team to virtual embed these logos. In the past, sponsors used to get visibility when their big logos were painted in patches across the ground. However, technological advancement has made sure that there is no need to paint or lay down the carpets on the ground.

Dream11, Hero, Sensodyne, Ebco, IIFL, Amazon, Volkswagen were some of the brands that had virtual logos embedded during the one-day games between Australia and India. They were found on either sides of the playing pitch.

Virtual 3D logos are not being implemented for the first time in cricket grounds. In the past, virtual 3D logos have also been seen during India’s games in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Considering the exposure on the television is not affected during the use of virtual 3D logos, brands are unlikely to be against using this technology. In the stadium, LED boards on the boundaries have also given another avenue to sponsors to explore without making any physical changes to the field.

However, the physical presence of logos is essential for the crowds in the stadiums. As of now, most of the games are played behind closed doors, so it does not make a big difference. Fans have been let in during the ODI series between India and Australia. It will be interesting to see whether they continue to use this approach when fans are completely back in the stadium.

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ICC world championship - A failed exercise from ICC

This is to my personal feeling, that ICC has been treating World Test Championship as a formality to comply because of the format I am seeing, when I compare it with Asian Test Championship which was between Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka (1998-99 and 2001-02 season sans India due to political tensions with Pakistan) and Bangladesh (in the second edition viz 2001-02, due to test status granted by ICC in 2000s)

The Asian Test Championship

1998-99 season

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competed in the inaugural Asian Test Championship between February and March 1999. Bangladesh could not compete because the ICC had not granted them Test status.
Three round-robin matches were played by the three competing sides. A win was worth 12 points, a tie 6 points and no points were awarded for a draw or loss. In addition to this, bonus points were awarded to teams for bowling and batting performances.
The venues of the round robin matches were rotated between the three countries, with the final to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh as a neutral venue.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 175 runs in the final to become the first Asian Test Champions.

2001-02 season

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka competed in the second Asian Test Championship between August 2001 and March 2002. India pulled out of the tournament due to political tensions with Pakistan. Pakistan and Sri Lanka both played Bangladesh in the two round robin matches. A win was worth 16 points, a tie 8 points and no points were awarded for a draw or loss. In addition to this, bonus points were awarded to teams for bowling and batting performances. Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified for the final after convincingly beating Bangladesh in Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The final was held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets to win the second Asian Test championship.

ICC World Test Championship

The ICC World Test Championship is a league competition for Test cricket run by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which started on 1 August 2019. It is intended to be the premier championship for Test cricket. It is in line with the ICC's goal of having one pinnacle tournament for each of the three formats of international cricket.
The original plans to hold the competition in 2013, replacing the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, were abandoned. It was rescheduled for June 2017, with a second Test championship to take place in India in Feb-March 2021. The top four ranked teams on 31 December 2016 – the cut-off date set by the ICC – would play the three-match Test championship. There would have been two semi-finals and the winners play the final. However, in January 2014 the ICC World Test Championship was cancelled and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy was reinstated.
In October 2017, the ICC announced that a Test league had been agreed by its members, which would involve the top nine teams playing series over two years with the top two teams qualifying for a World Test League Championship Final. The first ICC World Test Championship started after the 2019 Cricket World Cup from 1 August 2019, with the Ashes series. The second ICC World Test Championship will run from July 2021 to June 2023.

Difference between ICC WTC and ATC

Home & Away

Asian Test Championship

The Asian Test Championship (ATC) was on the concept of round robin where matches were played on home and away concept, though it was a short tournament, means 3 teams completing their games and playing final inside 2 months mark. The first tournament games were played at Kolkata, Colombo, Lahore and Dhaka respectively. In the second season, games were played at Multan, Colombo and Lahore respectively.

ICC World Test Championship

There is no clarity on home & away games, I am not saying this with respect to India-Pakistan games but if it is to be called as a championship, every team competing in the championship is supposed to be playing with each other.

Take example of Pakistan

These are the games, Pakistan have played 5 games against 3 opponents where 2/5 means 40% of the games were lost by heavy margins, and 2/5 means 40% of the margin were win games and remaining 1/5 means 20% margin was a draw game; hence how could it be called as a championship, when Pakistan isn't going to play game with rest of the competing sides, nor there is a competition like in a championship? The most obvious definition of a championship was defined in last year ICC 50 over Cricket World Cup event, where every team was to play with other team, so there was a competition aspect among the teams, and there Pakistan missed the Semi Final spot just by mere points because of the haunting first game of the CWC 2019 for Pakistan which was against WINDIES (previously known as the West Indies)

Definition of Championship

a competition at which a champion is chosen

Hence in which matter, does it look like a championship? Because in a championship, equal amount of games are given to each and every participating team so that a champion team is decided upon completion of minimum amount of games, so that a clear champion could be decided upon the designated points and performance(s).

According to ICC calendar for 2020, these are the games for Pakistan scheduled

Hence in coming fixtures in 2020 for Pakistan, there are only 3 scheduled games; hence my question is ambiguity in Home/Away games for competing teams!

Number of games per series

It is a good thing that winning a game is 60, as according to the laid down plan, ICC WTC games could at least be 2 games per series, but the problem is instead ICC intervene and have standardized number of games per series so that points could be allocated, as the points allocation distribution is as follows;

Matches in series	Points on a win	Points when tied	Points in a draw game	Points in case of a loss game
2	60	30	20	0
3	40	20	13	0
4	30	15	10	0
5	24	12	8	0

Hence my objection is ambiguity in distribution of points, otherwise the number of games per series was to be confirmed/implemented by ICC, here implementation aspect is being diluted and hence every participating team HAS BEEN allowed to negotiate with fellow country to arrange a series with number of games which defy uniformity, unlike a series distributed by ICC, which doesn't complies with a championships points table, hence a country can stage more 2 test match series and few 4 5 test match series, in order to gain more points, which is like injustice WITHIN a CHAMPIONSHIP for few teams and hence it is a predicted aspect that these two teams are going to be the finalists, which is going to erase the interest of test match cricket within the masses, because the concept of a championship is the unpredictability of the final outcome.

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India slumped to number 3 position in ICC test rankings

This is something mind-wobbling for a person who tries to analyze the statistics and graphs with more comfort than written statements.

India slumped to number 3 position?

Since the CoronaVirus is termed is pandemic, as far as the cricket matches are concerned, all of the cricketing activities were frozen and put on waiting till further notice, hence all the statistics were put on freeze till the time last game was played.

Till that time?

All the statistics were put on freeze, the team on whatever position will be placed on the same position they played their game and scored the points. Till that time, India was the Numero-Uno position, then how come India slumped to 3rd position from the prime?

What the rule says?

The rule says that all test matches played from previous to current year from May 2019 to May 2020; 100 percent scores are given upon the performances, whereas the previous two years comprise of 50 percent each per year in weightage put into consideration.

In short, a weighted average method which we generally use at the fuel stations for marking the calculation for the amount of fuel available on the fuel station, as fuel rates vary from time to time, just like ICC test match ratings which are updated time to time, therefore it also means that the team, which is consistent in performing from time to time, is going to earn the majority of points because their deductions from the previous two years are also going to be taken consideration of.

If a particular team in patches performs like winning comprehensively and losing miserly and/or able to manage a draw into consideration, it is required to be continued on an average on regular basis with respect to winning series' ratio, the more series's you win, the more weighted average points you earn.

This is what cost India

Because as per the statistics till April 30th, 2020, India's statistics were on the high but as the clock turned and calendar showed May 1st, the new calendar started and India's current year performances were now marked in previous year tally which accounted for 50% of the weightage, and now in the current scenario where no other team is playing, India is currently marked at 3rd position whereas Australia on Numero-Uno, and it is expected that India is not going to face a test match opponent till December 2020, other teams might have resumed their test match cricket and hence this is surely looking a cemented statement that India is surely going to lose more points if competitive test match cricket starts before December 2020.

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As expected, Bangladesh second leg of tour to Pakistan postponed

Pakistan v Bangladesh series postponed

Bangladesh's second leg of their tour to Pakistan is postponed, which I personally feel is a sensible decision because now Coronavirus is a pendamic disease therefore The PCB did the right thing because it was a potential risk for both environment at Karachi for both Karachiites and boys from Bangladesh. The board has also indefinitely postponed the Pakistan Cup. The domestic one-day competition was initially scheduled to start on March 25. The virus, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has resulted in the suspension of major sporting events across the world. International cricket has already seen England's tour of Sri Lanka, South Africa's tour of India, New Zealand's tour of Australia get affected as a result.

What about the PSL?

The Pakistan Cricket Board aka The PCB missed the trick by rushing to complete the HBL PSL.

Crowd was the main aspect

It was the crowd in Pakistan, which actually made the PSL as a gigantic brand which the PSL and PCB failed to capitalize, because many international leagues and series' have been postponed because their mentality is their crowd and therefore they give preference to the human aspect and when there is no crowd which makes their leagues' as leagues which the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League missed the opportunity, which will definitely result in degrading the level of the league.

Bangladesh tour to Pakistan - statistical intro about visitors' record in Pakistan

Bangladesh's test record against Pakistan in Pakistan

This record includes the infamous Inzamam ul Haq innings against the visitors at Multan, and single-handedly won the game for the hosts.

Bangladesh overall test team performance against Pakistan

As per the batting performance of Bangladesh batting first

Bangladesh scored 233/10 in 82.5 overs, where Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled really economical and took 4/53 in 21.5 overs @ 2.42 RPO, whereas Muhammad Abbas took 2/19 in 17 overs @ 1.11 RPO and furthermore Haris Sohail took 2/11 in 6 overs whereas Naseem Shah was expensive of the lot and conceived 61 runs for 1 wicket in 16 overs @ 3.81 RPO.

This is to further confirm that Pakistan would start its innings tomorrow because match was ended prematurely because of low-light-conditions, but it is expected that it is going to be a belter, but I personally would wanted pitches to be a testing pitch but still this is Pakistan team where anything could be expected off them, therefore keeping fingers crossed when Pakistani team would start their batting tomorrow morning.