Pakistan cricket is abuzz with controversy as Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the second Test against Bangladesh has raised eyebrows. While the team is struggling to find its footing, the omission of their star pacer has sparked heated debates.

Despite the uproar, Pakistan’s Test coach Jason Gillespie has strongly defended the decision, emphasizing that it was a strategic move to ensure Shaheen’s long-term fitness and effectiveness.

Gillespie clarified that the decision was based on a careful assessment of conditions and Shaheen's recent performances. Although Shaheen did not have an outstanding performance in the first Test, Gillespie stressed that the decision to rest him was made with the bigger picture in mind.

"We looked at conditions and surfaces, what we thought the best combination was. We took into account what we saw before the game, reflected on the previous game, and this is where we landed. In the first innings we had Bangladesh in a bit of strife at one point and we bowled quite well. Our lines, our lengths, were excellent,” Gillespie said.

He added, "But on that decision, obviously, there's a few things we're hoping [those two] can work on. Shaheen's obviously had a pretty eventful time in his personal life as well. Naseem's fine. I think what we've got to understand is we're trying to build a squad mentality and not just rely on a few players here and there. We want to create an environment and a squad where we can look at conditions, look at surfaces, look at what holistically what is coming up and make the best decisions."

Shaheen is currently spending time with his family after becoming a father for the first time, a decision supported by the team management to allow him to enjoy this significant personal milestone.