Shaheen Afridi unlikely to play first two T20I matches during Pak v NZ series

Ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is unlikely to participate in the first two T20I matches against New Zealand in the upcoming home series starting on April 18, as per sources.

Shaheen Afridi is eager to regain his bowling rhythm after the training camp in Kakul, as he prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, this casts doubt on his availability for the opening T20s against New Zealand.

According to sources, ahead of the T20 World Cup, Afridi will be rested from the early matches to manage his workload.

For this reason, he is expected to appear in the final two T20 matches against the Kiwis, scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi, starting on April 18 and concluding on April 24.

Shaheen Afridi's tenure as T20I captain was cut short as the PCB opted for Babar Azam to lead the team. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) explained this decision as “a strategic move” to prioritise player well-being and performance.

New Zealand landed in Islamabad on Sunday, and Pakistan's players have also joined in the capital after the Eid break.