PCB drops Shaheen Afridi from Test squad

PCB drops Shaheen Afridi from Test team. File photo

| Published June, 8 2026 | Updated

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): PCB drops Shaheen Afridi from Test team as fast bowler excluded from red-ball camp under major restructuring plan.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to exclude ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test setup as part of a major restructuring of the national cricket system. According to reports, Shaheen Afridi has not been selected for the Test training camp and has instead been placed in the white-ball group, which includes 27 players.

The PCB has invited a total of 49 players for a training camp in Lahore. Out of these, 22 players have been shortlisted for the red-ball (Test) camp, while 27 players have been included in the ODI and T20 squad preparations. Officials said the white-ball camp will begin on September 18, while the red-ball camp is scheduled to continue until July 10. The camp for the upcoming West Indies tour is expected to start on July 15.

Reports confirm that Shaheen Afridi, who currently leads Pakistan’s ODI side, will join the white-ball camp on June 15 along with other selected players. Shaheen Afridi, 26, made his Test debut in December 2017 against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and played his last Test in May 2026 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. In his 34-match Test career, he has taken 126 wickets.

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In Pakistan’s last Test against Bangladesh, he took 3/113 in the first innings and 2/54 in the second, but the team lost the match by 104 runs. He was later dropped for the second Test in Sylhet. Sources said concerns were raised over his reduced bowling speed during the Bangladesh tour, where his pace dropped compared to his usual 140+ km/h spells.

Officials also pointed to his limited participation in first-class cricket, suggesting that lack of red-ball experience may be affecting his Test performance. Based on these factors, the PCB has decided to move forward without him in future Test selection plans, according to reports.