The future of Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, in Test cricket appears uncertain following his exclusion from the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies at home. Since early 2024, Shaheen has missed eight of Pakistan’s last 12 Tests.
Despite securing 116 wickets in 32 Tests, selectors also left him out of the two-Test series in South Africa, citing the need to keep him fresh for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy beginning February 19.
Interestingly, during the same period as the South Africa Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) authorized Shaheen to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League, issuing him a No Objection Certificate.
Before touring South Africa, where Shaheen excelled in the T20 and ODI series, he had missed the final two Tests against England the previous year and one Test each against Bangladesh at home and in Sydney, Australia, early in 2024.
In a recent move, the selectors unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming West Indies series, excluding Shaheen along with other regular pacers like Naseem Shah, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Abbas, and Aamir Jamal, who all took part in the South Africa series that Pakistan lost 2-0.
A source close to the selectors shared that they are managing Shaheen and Naseem carefully to ensure they are in optimal condition for the Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19. “The selectors are eager to have Shaheen and Naseem at their best for the Champions Trophy, as it is a 50-over competition, and we are the defending champions,” the source stated.
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However, the source lacked a satisfactory response when questioned about Pakistan’s long-standing challenges in South Africa, where they have not won a Test series since 2006. A victory or a competitive performance in South Africa, particularly on pace-friendly pitches, could have significantly boosted Pakistan’s morale ahead of the ICC event.
The demanding cricket calendar attributed to the decision to rest Shaheen for the South Africa series. Still, for the West Indies series, the source indicated that “there was no need to overburden him since both teams are not in contention for the World Test Championship final, and the selectors plan to prepare spin-friendly pitches in Multan.”
At just 24 years old, Shaheen recently stated in an interview that he was eager to play in test matches and all formats for Pakistan. He also refuted claims that he had requested the selectors to rest him for the South Africa series.
