Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi is reportedly set to remain out of Pakistan’s Test cricket plans after being excluded from the national red-ball training camp. The decision reflects the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) evolving strategy regarding the fast bowler’s role in international cricket.
The PCB has invited 49 players to a training camp in Lahore, with 22 players selected for the Test squad camp and 27 players chosen for the white-ball setup. The white-ball camp is scheduled to continue until September 18, while the red-ball camp will conclude on July 10. A preparatory camp for the upcoming tour of the West Indies is expected to begin around July 15.
According to reports, the PCB’s selection panel and cricket management did not include Shaheen Afridi in the Test camp. Instead, the left-arm pacer has been placed among the players selected for the white-ball camp and is expected to report on June 15.
The 26-year-old fast bowler, who hails from Khyber Agency, made his Test debut against New Zealand national cricket team in Abu Dhabi in December 2017. His most recent Test appearance came against Bangladesh national cricket team in Mirpur in May 2026. Across 34 Test matches, Shaheen has taken 126 wickets while conceding 3,545 runs.
His performance during the Bangladesh series came under scrutiny, particularly due to a noticeable drop in bowling pace. Despite regularly bowling above 140 km/h in franchise cricket, observers noted that he struggled to consistently exceed 134 km/h during the tour. Following the first Test defeat, he was left out of the second match and replaced by another fast bowler.
Sources suggest that PCB officials remain concerned about Shaheen’s limited participation in first-class cricket. Decision-makers reportedly believe that sustained involvement in four-day domestic matches is essential for maintaining the skills and workload required for Test cricket.
With these considerations in mind, the board is said to be focusing Shaheen Afridi’s future primarily on white-ball formats. While no formal long-term announcement has been made, current indications suggest that the ODI captain is unlikely to be part of Pakistan’s Test team plans in the foreseeable future.
