Pakistan have released fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday.
The opening day of the second Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was washed out due to persistent rain. Shaheen, who recently became a father, was not included in the 12-member Pakistan squad announced on Thursday for the second Test.
“The team management has decided to release Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test squad to allow him to spend time with his family,” the PCB said in a statement.
Bangladesh currently lead the two-match series 1-0 after securing a historic 10-wicket victory at the same venue last week, where Pakistan were bowled out for a dismal 146 in their second innings on the fifth and final day.
Both teams are positioned in the lower half of the World Test Championship standings, with Bangladesh at No. 7 and Pakistan at No. 8, just above the West Indies, who are in last place.
Pakistan, who have lost four consecutive Test matches since Shan Masood was appointed captain last year, have not won a home Test since their victory against South Africa in December 2021. The remaining four Test matches against New Zealand and Australia ended in draws.
