Last Updated:
Shaheen Afridi’s absence in Tests raises questions, but PCB prioritises keeping him fit for the Champions Trophy.
Shaheen Afridi’s future in Test cricket remains a big concern. (Picture Credit: AFP)
Pakistan’s premier left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s future in red-ball cricket comes under uncertainty after the southpaw was not selected for the side’s two-match Test series against West Indies at home.
In fact, Shaheen in the past eight Tests out of the 12 that were played by Pakistan has been sidelined or rested. The pacer despite picking up 116 wickets in 32 Tests was also not picked in the side’s recent tour to South Africa as the selectors wanted him to be fresh for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
In what was likely a precautionary measure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also decided to not hand him the no-objection certificate (NOC) for him to play in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League while the national team were busy with their assignment in South Africa.
The 15-man squad for the West Indies Tests also saw the likes of Naseem Shah, Mir Haza, Muhammad Abbas, and Aamir Jamal missing out on a spot in the national team, despite being regulars.
A source close to the selectors said that Shaheen and Naseem were both being nursed through to the Champions Trophy which begins February 19.
“The selectors want Shaheen and even Naseem at their best in the Champions Trophy as it is a 50-over competition and we are defending champions,” the source said, as quoted by PTI
Interestingly, the source also suggested that the selectors had considered bringing in the pacer to the squad for the South Africa tour but decided against it to ensure that he gets a long break ahead of the Champions Trophy.
“But for the West Indies series there was no purpose taxing him out since both teams are out of this cycle of the World Test Championship final contention and the selectors are planning to have spin pitches in Multan,” the source shared.
From his side, Shaheen clarified that he is more than willing to represent Pakistan across all three formats, and in a recent interview, had rejected suggestions that the pacer himself had asked the selectors for a break.
Afridi’s performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be crucial for the title-holders who will hope to showcase their best performance on home soil as they aim to defend their crown.
(with PTI Inputs)
