Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s star left-arm pacer, has reportedly requested to be excluded from the Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. According to a PTI report, Afridi wants to focus on maintaining his fitness ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March.
Shaheen’s Decision to Skip Tests
Afridi, who played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s recent 3-0 ODI series victory against South Africa by taking seven wickets, has chosen to sit out the two-match Test series. A source quoted by PTI revealed that the 24-year-old pacer personally communicated his decision to Pakistan’s interim head coach and senior selector, Aaqib Javed.
“Shaheen himself requested not to be considered for Test matches until the Champions Trophy is over,” the source said.
Pakistan’s elimination from contention for the World Test Championship final also influenced Afridi’s decision. The source added that Afridi wanted to manage his workload to remain fresh for the Champions Trophy and subsequent ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa.
Managing Workload and Franchise Commitments
The PTI report also mentions that Afridi informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) about receiving a lucrative offer to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Afridi has assured the board that he will carefully manage his workload during the tournament, which runs from December 30 to February 7.
“Shaheen told the management the financial offer was very good and assured them he would look after his fitness and workload during the BPL. He requested permission to participate in the league,” the source explained.
Afridi has confirmed his availability for the tri-series ODIs and the Champions Trophy at home but has expressed his preference to avoid Test cricket until the marquee tournament concludes.
Likely Absence Against West Indies Tests
Pakistan’s Test schedule also includes a two-match series against the West Indies at home in January 2025. Reports suggest Afridi is unlikely to feature in those matches either, as he continues to prioritize limited-overs cricket and fitness management.
Previous Test Exclusions
Shaheen was dropped from the final two Tests against England following an underwhelming performance in the first Test in Multan. His recent decisions further underline the emphasis on managing his workload and fitness to remain effective in Pakistan’s key assignments.
With the Champions Trophy approaching, Pakistan’s management appears to support Afridi’s approach to balancing his commitments and ensuring peak performance during critical tournaments.
