Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistan fast bowler, has sent a message to the national team ahead of their crucial 2nd Test match against England in Multan. Afridi, who was dropped from the team, took to social media to express his feelings.

Earlier, Afridi, along with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and reserve wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, were released from the 16-member Pakistan squad.

The knee-jerk reaction followed Pakistan's bitter defeat against England by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test.

Current selector and former fast bowler Aqib Javed explained why the selection committee made the decision: "We’ve had to carefully consider the player's current form and the urgency to bounce back in the series."

“In the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi,” he was quoted as saying by AP.

Stating that a break from international cricket was the need of the hour, Javed also expressed confidence that it will help the rested players to regain their fitness, confidence and composure.

“They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket,” Javed said. “We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.”

On Monday, Shaheen broke his silence and took to social media to express his views.

"Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We're all cheering for you!"- Afridi wrote on X.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mehmood

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