‘Past is past’: Shaheen shrugs off Rawalpindi setback

After being reminded of Bangladesh’s 2-0 series triumph in Rawalpindi in 2024, Pakistan speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi said his side is not dwelling on the past as they prepare to take on the Tigers in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting tomorrow in Mirpur.

Bangladesh pacers had rattled Pakistan with pace and bounce on seamer-friendly wickets in Rawalpindi. Asked how they planned to respond, Shaheen insisted he was not interested in revisiting what transpired in the two sides’ last meeting in the format.

“Look, the past is past. For me personally, I don’t want to remember what is in the past,” the Pakistan paceman said during a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

The series forms part of the World Test Championship (WTC). Both Bangladesh and Pakistan have played two matches in the current cycle -- Pakistan winning one and losing one against South Africa, while Bangladesh drew one and lost one against Sri Lanka away.

Shaheen said their long-term goal extends beyond just this series.

“Our goal is to focus on the present and the future, and how we prepare ourselves. We want to win the Test Championship -- not just one series. As a team, our goal is big, and we are ready for that,” he added.

Pakistan last played a Test series in October last year, and Shaheen acknowledged the challenge of returning to the format after a gap, though he believes they are well prepared.

“It’s not easy. The last series we played was against South Africa, which was a long time ago. But as a team, we are ready. We had preparation time in Pakistan and have been here for the last few days. This period is very important for us as a Test side, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.