Shaheen Afridi Faces A Big Blow From Pakistan

Mohsin Naqvi and Shaheen Afridi [Source: AFP]

In a major development, star pacer Shaheen Afridi has not been included in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) red-ball training camp. 

Recently, the PCB announced separate red-ball and white-ball camps at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), with 49 players selected for preparation ahead of upcoming international and domestic competitions.

The red-ball camp will begin on 8 June and continue until 10 July. A total of 22 players have been selected for this camp. Players who were involved in Pakistan’s recent ODI series against Australia and have been named in the camp will join from 15 June.

Shaheen Afridi Left Out of Red-Ball Camp

Interestingly, Shaheen Afridi has been included in the white-ball camp. At the same time, his absence from the red-ball camp has raised several questions regarding his future in Tests.

According to reports, many observers believe this decision could signal a shift in Pakistan’s long-term Test plans.

Notably, Shaheen Afridi recently played a key role in Pakistan’s ODI series victory against Australia. Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1, with the left-arm pacer contributing strongly during the campaign. He took 7 wickets in 3 innings with an economy rate of 3.86.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s recent Test performances have come under heavy criticism. Last month, Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in a Test series, marking their fourth straight Test victory over the team. 

As a result, Bangladesh secured a second consecutive Test whitewash against Pakistan. A similar achievement was recorded in 2024 when Bangladesh dominated Pakistan in home conditions.

During the series, Shaheen Afridi picked up five wickets across two innings and maintained an economy rate of 3.54. Even so, the PCB has not provided any official explanation regarding his exclusion from the red-ball camp.

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Star Names Included In The Red-ball Camp

While Shaheen Afridi remains absent, several prominent cricketers have secured places in the red-ball camp. The list includes Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Aamir Jamal. These players will work closely with coaches and support staff as part of the preparation programme.

White-Ball Camp To Continue Until September

Alongside the red-ball programme, the NCA white-ball camp will run from 15 June to 18 September. A total of 27 players have been selected for this camp.

During these camps, players will focus on improving their technical skills, fitness levels, and overall performance. In addition, they will participate in one-to-one sessions with coaches and receive guidance from PCB medical staff. These activities are aimed at helping players meet international standards.

It is important to note that at present, Pakistan are enjoying a break of more than 50 days following their third consecutive ODI series win against Australia. 

Looking ahead, Pakistan will return to international cricket with a two-match Test series against West Indies. The matches are scheduled from 25–29 July and 2–6 August.

Red-Ball Camp Squad: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Abrar Ahmed, Ali Usman, Amad Butt, Azan Awais, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Awais Zafar, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Obaid Shah, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saqib Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shahzad Gul and Shan Masood

White-Ball Camp Squad: Abdul Samad, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Farhan Yousaf, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Khawaja Muhammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Razaullah, Rohail Nazir, Saad Baig, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Sameer Minhas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shamyl Hussain, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan

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