Shaheen Shah Afridi likely to be dropped from Test setup permanently

LAHORE: Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has not been included in the red-ball training camp announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), signalling uncertainty over his future in the national Test setup.

The PCB has invited 49 players to training camps in Lahore, including 22 players for the Test squad and 27 for the white-ball formats. While Shaheen has been named in the ODI and T20 camps, he has been omitted from the list of players selected for the Test camp.

According to media reports, the white-ball camp will continue until September 18, while the red-ball camp is scheduled to conclude on July 10. Preparations for the upcoming tour of the West Indies are expected to begin around July 15.

The 26-year-old left-arm pacer is expected to join the white-ball camp on June 15. However, selectors have reportedly expressed concerns over his recent performances in Test cricket and his limited participation in first-class cricket.

Shaheen made his Test debut against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December 2017 and has represented Pakistan in 34 Tests, taking 126 wickets. His most recent appearance came against Bangladesh in Mirpur in May 2026.

During that series, his bowling speed and effectiveness came under scrutiny. Following Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test, Shaheen was left out of the second match and replaced by fast bowler Khurram Shahzad.

Reports indicate that the PCB believes regular participation in four-day domestic cricket is essential for maintaining performance standards in the longer format. As a result, selectors are reportedly reconsidering Shaheen’s role in the Test setup despite his status as ODI captain.

No official decision has been announced regarding his long-term Test future, but his exclusion from the red-ball camp suggests that the management is looking at alternative options ahead of upcoming Test assignments.