Selectors may leave out star pacer as focus shifts to players active in first-class cricket.
Image:SKY sports
Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to miss Pakistan’s upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, with selectors signalling changes to the pace attack.
The left-arm fast bowler was not included in the recently announced 22-player red-ball training camp. Sources say he has been informed that players not participating in first-class cricket will not be considered for selection.
The move comes despite Shaheen featuring in Pakistan’s recent Test series against Bangladesh. He has taken 60 wickets in his last 16 Test matches and 126 wickets in 34 Tests overall.
Shaheen also has an impressive record in the West Indies, claiming 18 wickets in two Tests during Pakistan’s 2021 tour.
Selectors are reportedly keen to reward strong performances in the Pakistan Super League, with Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah emerging as contenders. Mohammad Abbas, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shehzad are also under consideration.
The red-ball camp will run from June 8 to July 10. Pakistan begin their two-Test series against the West Indies on July 25, followed by a three-Test series against England starting August 19.
