Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has finally addressed one of the most talked-about topics in Pakistan cricket this year — the limited on-field action of young fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Despite being a regular member of the squad, Wasim Jr has featured only sporadically in white-ball cricket, stirring debate among fans about his role and future. Known for his sharp pace and impressive ability to move the ball, the 22-year-old already boasts 41 wickets in 25 ODIs, a testament to his raw talent and potential.

But his appearances have been surprisingly few.
In the past year:

• He played just one ODI in the series against South Africa.
• Featured in two matches vs Sri Lanka, taking a combined five wickets.
• Made only two ODI appearances during Pakistan’s April tour of New Zealand.
• Hasn’t played a T20I since January 2024.

These gaps naturally led to speculation was he out of favour, out of rhythm, or simply out of fitness?

Shaheen Afridi cleared the air during the post-match press conference after Pakistan’s ODI series win over Sri Lanka. According to the skipper, Wasim Jr’s inconsistent run had nothing to do with lack of skill or trust from the management.

“I think he was being rotated, but perhaps you people weren’t aware,” Shaheen said. “Wasim Junior had a few injuries, and you usually give players opportunities based on those injuries.”

He emphasized that while Wasim Jr stayed with the team, he was not always physically ready to play back-to-back matches.

“If a player is travelling with the team but not fully fit, like Wasim Junior was, and carrying several injuries, the team management naturally keeps rotating him.”

Shaheen also shed light on the importance of workload management for fast bowlers, noting that rehabilitation and treatment are essential even when players remain part of the squad.

Despite the challenges, the Pakistan captain praised Wasim Jr’s recent performances, especially his ability to generate reverse swing a rare and valuable skill in modern ODI cricket.

“Now that he has made a comeback in the ODIs, he has shown that he has the skill; he can reverse swing the ball very well.”

Shaheen concluded by reaffirming Wasim Jr’s place among Pakistan’s exciting pool of fast bowlers.

“All the bowlers in the pool right now are game-changers, and they are playing good cricket throughout.”

With his fitness back on track and the captain’s confidence behind him, fans will be hoping to see much more of Mohammad Wasim Jr in the coming months.