Shaheen Afridi’s omission from the test squad was termed a strategic decision, a day ahead of the ICC Event to be staged in Pakistan’s homeland this February and March 2025.
PCB selector Aaqib Javed reckoned that omitting leading fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is the right decision, taking into account how Pakistan should play to keep him fresh, mentally and physically, before appearing for the crucial ICC Champions Trophy.
Star batter Babar Azam has returned to the Test lineup after being dropped for the last two home matches against England, and fast bowler Mohammad Abbas also made a comeback in Pakistan’s squads for the Test, one-day international (ODI), and T20 international series named on Wednesday.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been omitted from the Test squad, so he remains physically and mentally fresh for the Champions Trophy,” Javed said in a statement.
Afridi is ranked second and is the only Pakistani among the top 10 bowlers in the ICC rankings for men’s ODIs. Pacer Naseem Shah, who was also dropped for the second and third Tests against England, was also named in the 15-man squad.
Abbas has taken 90 wickets in 25 Test matches but has not played red-ball cricket for Pakistan since 2021. In recent times, he has been in excellent form, taking 31 wickets in five premier domestic four-day tournament matches.
