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Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi not included in Pakistan Test squad

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Shaheen Afridi

LAHORE: Pakistan’s ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has not been included in the national Test squad setup, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to restructure its selection strategy, according to media reports.

The PCB has reportedly invited 49 players to a training camp in Lahore, with 22 players selected for the red-ball (Test) group and 27 players named for the white-ball (ODI and T20) camp.

Officials said the white-ball camp is scheduled to begin on Sept. 18, while the red-ball training camp is expected to continue until July 10. The camp for Pakistan’s upcoming West Indies tour is likely to start from July 15.

According to sources, Shaheen, who currently leads Pakistan’s ODI side, has been placed only in the white-ball group and is expected to report for training on June 15.

PCB insiders said the decision reflects a strategic focus on workload management and format specialization, with selectors reportedly excluding him from the Test setup.

Shaheen, 26, made his Test debut in December 2017 against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and has since played 34 Tests, taking 126 wickets.

He last featured in Test cricket against Bangladesh in May 2026, where Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat in Mirpur. Despite a strong bowling workload in the series, his pace reportedly came under scrutiny, with analysts noting a drop compared to his white-ball speeds.

Reports suggest concerns within the selection committee over his limited first-class cricket participation and its impact on red-ball performance.

The PCB has not issued an official statement confirming long-term exclusion, but sources indicate he is unlikely to be considered for future Test selections under the current planning model.

Shaheen Afridi reaches 400 international wickets during Dhaka Test

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Shaheen Afridi

DHAKA: Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi achieved another major milestone in his career by completing 400 international wickets during Pakistan’s ongoing Test against Bangladesh national cricket team in Dhaka.

The 25-year-old fast bowler reached the landmark on the fourth day of the Test when he dismissed Mominul Haque.

Shaheen became only the fifth Pakistani fast bowler to claim 400 international wickets, joining an elite list that includes Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul.

Overall, he is the ninth Pakistani bowler to reach the 400-wicket mark across all formats. Among the spinners who previously achieved the feat are Shahid Afridi, Saqlain Mushtaq and Saeed Ajmal.

Shaheen accomplished the milestone in his 211th international appearance and now ranks ninth on Pakistan’s all-time list of leading wicket-takers across all formats.

Shaheen Afridi recalled from Big Bash League after knee injury

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Shaheen Afridi

SYDNEY: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been recalled from the Big Bash League (BBL) after sustaining a knee injury during the tournament.

While representing Brisbane Heat, Shaheen experienced knee discomfort during the match against Adelaide Strikers on Saturday, December 27. Following the injury, a decision was made to send him back to Pakistan for further assessment and rehabilitation.

Shaheen Afridi is expected to return to Pakistan on Wednesday, where a comprehensive rehabilitation program will be arranged for him at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). In a statement, Brisbane Heat said Shaheen would undergo a re-assessment upon the team’s return from Adelaide.

Taking to social media, Shaheen Afridi confirmed that due to the unexpected injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had advised him to return home immediately. He stated that he would complete his rehab in Pakistan and expressed optimism about making a strong comeback to competitive cricket soon.

The fast bowler also thanked Brisbane Heat and his fans for their continued support during his time in the BBL.

Shaheen Afridi excited to play in Australia’s Big Bash League

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Shaheen Afridi

Brisbane: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his excitement about playing in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), representing Brisbane Heat.

In a recent interview, Afridi said that Australia has a large number of Pakistani fans, and many Pakistani cricketers are already participating in the league.

 He added that he has not had the opportunity to play in the BBL for a few years, but is now eager to take part, with no national duties during the league period. “I hope to get the chance to play the full season,” he said.

Afridi also spoke about his teammates in the Pakistan national team and PSL, mentioning that he has played alongside Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for several years.

He praised Babar Azam as a world-class player who has scored numerous runs for Pakistan, highlighting Babar’s preference for strike rotation and his elegant cover drives.

On Mohammad Rizwan, Afridi noted that he prefers fast bowling and bats differently from Babar, but both players have consistently delivered strong performances for Pakistan. He added that net practice sessions often feel like real matches when facing them.

Reflecting on his experience in Brisbane, Afridi said he has played international matches at The Gabba, noting the pitch offers significant bounce, unlike the flatter pitches he expects in the BBL.

Afridi also shared insights on leadership, revealing that he had not captained in domestic cricket before joining the Pakistan Super League. He credited Thameem Rana for guidance, stating that leadership should be calm and not authoritative, as being overly harsh does not create a good impression.

Who is Shaheen Afridi’s cricket role model?

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Shaheen Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan’s fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has revealed that he considers Australian pacer Mitchell Starc as his cricket role model and is eagerly looking forward to meeting him soon.

Shaheen said that whenever he played alongside Starc against Australia, their interactions were encouraging, and Starc always motivated him.

He also shared that watching Starc’s 2015 Cricket World Cup spell left a lasting impression, prompting him to follow Starc’s career closely.

Shaheen credited the performances of both Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult for helping him improve his skills on the cricket field, describing them as true icons for young cricketers.

Starc, in recent years, has not only broken records held by Wasim Akram but has also become a role model for aspiring fast bowlers.

Shaheen further noted that Starc’s ability to bowl at speeds of 140 km/h or more serves as a major inspiration for young players.