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There are growing considerations to rest Shaheen Shah Afridi for the T20I series against South Africa. Although Shadab Khan has resumed practice, he will not be available for any of the three matches; his return is expected through the tri-nation series in November.
According to details, Pakistan and South Africa will play T20I matches on October 28, 31, and November 1. The first match will be held in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two will take place in Lahore. The selectors are expected to announce the squad in the coming days.
It is likely that fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will be rested to manage his workload. Interestingly, he was made to bowl only five overs in the first innings of the ongoing first Test, and so far has bowled only six overs in the second innings. Even if he plays the second Test in Rawalpindi, which is expected to be on a spin-friendly pitch, he will probably get limited bowling opportunities.
Despite that, resting him from the T20I series would be a surprising move, as he was the second most successful bowler in the recent T20 Asia Cup, taking 10 wickets.
Meanwhile, Haris Rauf is also unlikely to be included in the squad.
On the other hand, Shadab Khan will also not be available for the T20Is against the Proteas. Following shoulder surgery, he has resumed training in England, but he lacks match fitness. He is expected to return to Pakistan on October 22 and may test his fitness in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match. However, playing a four-day match immediately after injury could pose risks.
Shadab is expected to rejoin the national team for the tri-nation series scheduled in November, which includes Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. However, at present, Afghanistan’s tour of Pakistan appears uncertain.
