In a disappointing turn for cricket enthusiasts, Pakistan’s renowned fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is poised to sit out several matches during the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand, according to sources revealed to Geo News on Monday.

Reportedly, the decision to “rest” the left-arm bowler is in line with the team’s rotation policy, aimed at effectively managing player workloads in preparation for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled for June this year.

Shaheen is expected to be absent from the field for the initial two matches out of the five-match series. However, he is slated to make a return for the final three encounters, as per the sources.

It’s worth noting that Shaheen was recently relieved of his duties as captain of the T20I squad, with Babar Azam assuming the leadership role.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cited this alteration as “a strategic maneuver aimed at ensuring player welfare and optimal performance.”

“While Shaheen has undoubtedly demonstrated his prowess as a premier fast bowler, spearheading Pakistan’s pace arsenal over the years, the board acknowledges the significance of rotation and rest in sustaining his peak form. This decision is in line with the board’s commitment to preserving the longevity of players, particularly fast bowlers, considering their injury histories over the past couple of years,” the PCB asserted.

“In light of workload management, this measure is intended to uphold Pakistan’s primary bowlers at their peak. The board is keen on averting a scenario akin to the injury crises witnessed before the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where Shaheen necessitated close monitoring, and the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, during which the team lacked the services of Naseem Shah.”

With the New Zealand team arriving in Islamabad on Sunday, the Pakistani squad has also convened in the federal capital following the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays.

Pakistan squad

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand squad

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.