Shaheen Shah Afridi Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad, Focus Shifted to White-Ball Cricket

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi will not be included in the national Test squad as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to focus on separate red-ball and white-ball setups.

According to details, the PCB has invited 49 players to a training camp in Lahore, including 22 players for the Test squad and 27 players for the limited-overs (ODI and T20) setup. Shaheen Afridi’s name has been placed in the white-ball category only, and he is expected to report to the camp on June 15.

Officials said the white-ball camp will run until September 18, while the red-ball camp is scheduled to continue until July 10. A potential training camp for the West Indies tour may begin on July 15.

Shaheen Afridi, who hails from Khyber Agency, made his Test debut in December 2017 against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. His most recent Test appearance came against Bangladesh in May 2026 in Mirpur. In his Test career so far, he has taken 126 wickets in 34 matches.

In the recent Bangladesh tour, Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat, where Afridi recorded bowling figures of 3/113 in the first innings and 2/54 in the second innings. However, he was later dropped for the second Test and replaced by Khurram Shehzad.

Reports suggest that concerns were raised over Afridi’s pace, as his bowling speed reportedly dropped compared to his usual 140+ km/h deliveries in domestic and franchise cricket, where he represents Lahore Qalandars.

PCB sources also indicated that his limited participation in first-class cricket and lack of four-day match practice were key factors behind the decision. The board believes that without regular red-ball cricket, his effectiveness in Test matches may decline further, leading to his exclusion from future Test squad considerations.