PCB Reportedly Excludes Shaheen Afridi From Future Test Plans Amid Major Red-Ball Overhaul
• Shaheen Afridi has reportedly not been included in Pakistan’s red-ball training camp.
• PCB has invited 49 players for separate Test and white-ball camps in Lahore.
• Concerns over pace, recent performances and limited first-class cricket are said to have influenced the decision.
Pakistan’s Test cricket setup appears set for a major shake-up after reports emerged that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to leave ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi out of its future red-ball plans, with the star fast bowler missing from the squad selected for the upcoming Test training camp.
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According to reports, the decision is part of a broader restructuring process within Pakistan cricket aimed at rebuilding the national Test side ahead of future international assignments. While Shaheen remains an important figure in Pakistan’s limited-overs teams, selectors have reportedly opted not to include him in the 22-player red-ball camp.
The PCB has invited a total of 49 players to training camps in Lahore. Of these, 22 players have been selected for the Test camp, while 27 players have been placed in the white-ball group for ODI and T20 preparations.
Reports indicate that the white-ball camp will begin on June 18, while the red-ball camp will continue until July 10. Preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of the West Indies are expected to start with a separate camp beginning on July 15.
Despite serving as Pakistan’s ODI captain, Shaheen has reportedly only been included in the white-ball setup and is expected to join that camp alongside other selected players. His absence from the Test squad has fueled speculation that the PCB is planning to move forward with a different pace attack in the longer format.
The 26-year-old left-arm pacer made his Test debut against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December 2017 and quickly established himself as one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers. Over the course of 34 Test matches, Shaheen has claimed 126 wickets and played a key role in several memorable victories.
His most recent Test appearance came against Bangladesh in Mirpur in May 2026. During that match, he picked up figures of 3/113 in the first innings and 2/54 in the second innings. However, Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat, and Shaheen was subsequently left out of the second Test in Sylhet.
Reports suggest that selectors have expressed concerns about a decline in the fast bowler’s effectiveness in red-ball cricket. During the Bangladesh series, critics pointed to a noticeable reduction in his pace compared to the 140 km/h-plus speeds he has regularly produced in domestic and white-ball cricket.
Another factor reportedly considered by the PCB was Shaheen’s limited participation in first-class cricket. Officials are believed to feel that the lack of consistent red-ball cricket has affected his rhythm and effectiveness in the Test format.
The reported decision does not affect his role in Pakistan’s white-ball teams, where he remains one of the country’s leading fast bowlers and currently serves as ODI captain. However, if the reports are confirmed, it would mark a significant shift in Pakistan’s Test cricket strategy and one of the biggest selection decisions involving a senior player in recent years.
Neither the PCB nor Shaheen Afridi has officially commented on the reports, but his exclusion from the red-ball camp is likely to become one of the most discussed topics in Pakistan cricket as preparations continue for future Test assignments.
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