Just Like Virat Kohli, This Pakistan Cricketer To Skip Test Series Due To Wife's Pregnancy

Speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for time out from the upcoming test series against Bangladesh. According to the reports, Shaheen Afridi and his wife are expecting their first child, following this, the ace cricket has requested the cricket governing body to allow him a break from national duty.

Pakistan team's red-ball coach Jason Gillispie shared information on Shaheen's time out. Media reports quoted him saying: "Shaheen can miss Bangaladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him [some] rest if he wants to stay with his wife till then."

Shaheen and his wife Ansha got married last year, and now they are expecting their first child, and at this special time, the cricketer wants to be his wife and family to welcome the new family member.

Earlier, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli had also requested similar kind of leaves from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), when his wife Anushka Sharma was pregnant. Right before the birth of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's second child Akaay, Virat Kohli pulled out off the series against England and for London, where for almost 2 months without making it public.

About Shaheen Shah Afridi:

Shaheen Shah Afridi, the left-arm pace bowler, is Pakistan's one of deadliest speedster. He caught the world's attention when he wreaked havoc Indian batting line-up in the Aisa Cup 2023, picking up 4 wickets only for 35 runs in 10 overs.

Recently, Shaheen Afridi made headlines for allegedly misbehaving and having a heated argument with team coaches after Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. It was learned that Shaheen Afridi had a heated argument with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf, however, he later apologised to the senior and former cricketer.

Sources with the Pakistan Cricket Board said the argument was just "heat of the moment" and was sorted out quickly.