Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is unlikely to be included in the national team’s plans for the upcoming Test series as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) moves forward with a broader restructuring of its red-ball setup.
According to reports, the PCB has invited 49 players to a training camp in Lahore, dividing them into separate red-ball and white-ball groups. Out of the total, 22 players have been shortlisted for the Test squad, while 27 players have been selected for white-ball preparations. Shaheen Afridi has reportedly been placed only in the white-ball category and is not part of the Test camp.
Officials stated that the white-ball camp will begin on September 18, while the red-ball camp is scheduled to continue until July 10. Preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of the West Indies are expected to start from July 15.
Despite serving as Pakistan’s ODI captain, Shaheen is reportedly not among the players currently being considered for the Test setup. He is expected to join the white-ball training camp on June 15 alongside other selected players.
The left-arm pacer made his Test debut against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December 2017 and last represented Pakistan in the format against Bangladesh in Mirpur in May 2026. Across 34 Test matches, he has claimed 126 wickets.
During Pakistan’s recent Test series against Bangladesh, Shaheen recorded figures of 3-113 and 2-54 in the first Test before being left out of the following match in Sylhet.
Reports suggest selectors have expressed concerns over a decline in his pace and effectiveness in recent red-ball matches. Another factor reportedly influencing the decision is his limited participation in first-class cricket, with officials believing regular long-format cricket is essential for maintaining performance at the Test level.
While his future in Test cricket appears uncertain for now, reports indicate that the PCB continues to view Shaheen Afridi as a key figure in Pakistan’s white-ball plans, including ODI and T20 formats.
