Shaheen Shah Afridi Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad as PCB Announces 49-Player Camp

Pakistan cricket team captain in ODIs, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has reportedly not included in the Pakistan Test team setup as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a large-scale training camp featuring 49 players for upcoming international assignments.

As per information, the PCB has selected 22 players for the red-ball (Test) camp and 27 players for the white-ball (ODI and T20) camp in Lahore. The move has left the squads clearly separated as Pakistan cricket management is still reshaping both Test and limited-overs teams for future.

PCB 49-Player Camp for Pakistan Cricket Team Preparation

The camp set to be used as preparation for future international tours, notably the upcoming series against the West Indies.

• Test (Red Ball) Camp: 22 players selected
• White Ball (ODI & T20) Camp: 27 players selected
• Location: Lahore
• White Ball Camp Start: Expected 15 June 2026
• Training Duration: Red-ball camp continues until mid-July

The Pakistan cricket think tank reportedly ruled out Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test camp, even though he is included in the white-ball squad.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Role Limited to White-Ball Cricket

Current ODI captain Shaheen Afridi is likely to report for the white-ball training camp. Selectors’ decision to leave him out of the Test squad indicates that they have opted for a strategy around workload and the need to specialize the format.

While Afridi has been a pivotal fast bowler for Pakistan in all formats, there have been recent conversations around his fitness for the red-ball format and his pace consistency, alongside his first-class cricket workload.

Shaheen Shah Afridi Test Career Performance

Shaheen Afridi made his debut in Test cricket against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi in 2017 and since then he has been emerging as one of Pakistan’s top fast bowlers.

• Test Matches: 34
• Wickets: 126
• Runs Conceded: 3545
• Overs Bowled: 1114

Afridi’s performance in his final Test series against Bangladesh received mixed comments, partly because of his bowling pace.

Concerns Over First-Class Cricket Participation

It reported that his restricted involvement in four-day games is one of the main reasons for his omission from the Test squad. There is a strong view within the PCB circles that regular 1st class cricket is important to have for rhythm and effectiveness in Test matches.

The strategic move highlights Pakistan cricket’s continued push for bolstering its red-ball format for upcoming ICC Test Championship cycles.

Pakistan Cricket Team Selection Strategy 2026

The latest PCB decision comes as a continuation of the growing trend in modern cricket of splitting players into different formats to manage workload and ensure a more consistent performance level.

The West Indies tour coming up soon, and Pakistan is anticipate to complete the work of finalizing its Test and white-ball teams after the camps in Lahore.