Lahore | June 8, 2026 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to move ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi out of its long-term Test cricket plans as part of a broader restructuring of the national team setup.
According to media reports, the left-arm fast bowler has not been included in the national red-ball training camp, signaling a major shift in the board’s approach toward Pakistan’s Test squad. While Shaheen remains a key figure in the white-ball format, PCB officials are said to have placed him exclusively in the ODI and T20 group for upcoming preparations.
The board has invited 49 players to training camps in Lahore. Of those, 22 players have been selected for the red-ball camp, while 27 players will participate in white-ball preparations. The white-ball camp is scheduled to begin on September 18, whereas the red-ball camp will continue until July 10. Preparations for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of the West Indies are expected to commence on July 15.
Sources indicate that Shaheen, despite serving as Pakistan’s ODI captain, was not considered for the Test camp. He is expected to join the white-ball camp on June 15 alongside other selected players.
The reported decision follows scrutiny of Shaheen’s recent performances in the longest format. During Pakistan’s Test series against Bangladesh, the pacer claimed five wickets across both innings of the opening match, finishing with figures of 3/113 and 2/54. However, Pakistan suffered a 104-run defeat and Shaheen was subsequently left out of the second Test in Sylhet.
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Cricket analysts and former players had raised concerns about a noticeable drop in the fast bowler’s pace during the Bangladesh tour. Reports suggested that he struggled to consistently reach the speeds that have traditionally made him one of Pakistan’s most dangerous fast bowlers.
Another factor believed to have influenced PCB’s thinking is Shaheen’s limited involvement in domestic first-class cricket. Officials reportedly feel that a lack of regular red-ball cricket has impacted his effectiveness and rhythm in Test matches.
Despite the reported exclusion from future Test considerations, Shaheen remains a central figure in Pakistan’s white-ball setup. The 26-year-old has represented Pakistan in 34 Test matches since making his debut against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in December 2017, claiming 126 wickets during his red-ball career.
The PCB has yet to make an official public announcement regarding Shaheen’s long-term Test future, but reports suggest the board is prioritizing a specialized role for the star pacer in limited-overs cricket.
