Shaheen Afridi Openly Announces Pakistan’s Goal (Source: AFP Photos)
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s ODI captain, is currently in Bangladesh, where the entire squad is getting ready to play a two-match Test series under the leadership of Shan Masood. The first Test will take place at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka, from May 8, while the second Test will be at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet, from May 16.
Of course, the Test series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is a part of the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC). Pakistan are currently placed fifth on the table, having won once and lost once.
Australia, the WTC winner of the 2021-23 cycle, are currently at the top of the chart, with seven victories in eight matches. Meanwhile, South Africa, the defending WTC champions, are third right now, having won three out of four attempts.
Shaheen Afridi Opens Up On Pakistan's Mission WTC
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shaheen Afridi openly told the reporters that they are looking at the WTC, led by the International Cricket Council (ICC), as their primary objective to secure it.
The 26-year-old said they are looking at the bigger picture rather than the series between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Therefore, winning the WTC trophy, something they have not secured it before, is their primary goal.
“Our main goal is just one: we want to win the World Test Championship.. Qualifying for the final and playing in the final is our main focus. As a team, we all know we need to bring our best cricket in the Test format,” Shaheen Afridi told the reporters.
Also Read: India vs Afghanistan Test Series To Be Added To WTC Schedule? ICC To Take Drastic Step
How Have Pakistan Fared In WTC Over The Years?
During the 2021-23 cycle, Pakistan finished seventh on the WTC points table, having had four wins, six defeats and four draws. They had a better record prior to that cycle, ending fifth during the 2019-21 cycle with four wins, five defeats and three draws.
However, the most miserable WTC campaign for Pakistan came during the 2023-25 cycle. During that period, they had five victories and nine defeats, forcing them to languish on the bottom of the WTC points table, behind Bangladesh and the West Indies, among others.
Therefore, a tournament where Pakistan are yet to live up to their lofty standards, Pakistan, as revealed by Shaheen Afridi, would look to keep their eyes on.
Shaheen Afridi's Record In Tests
Thus far, Shaheen Afridi has played 33 Test matches, and picked up 121 wickets in whites at an average of 27.95. In Bangladesh, his record in the red-ball cricket is quite impressive, with 10 wickets in two matches at an average of 13.6 speaking volumes.
Overall, against Bangladesh, Shaheen Afridi has taken 17 Test wickets in four matches against Bangladesh, regardless of wherever it happened before. Therefore, he would look to lead by example to take Pakistan to the WTC glory.
Also Read: Pakistan Team Failing To Fill Seats In Bangladesh? BCB Takes Severe Step
