Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the standout bowler for Pakistan in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa, where he claimed seven wickets, contributing significantly to Pakistan's 3-0 series victory. The 24-year-old, however, will not be part of the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in South Africa. According to a report from PTI, Shaheen himself requested the management to exclude him from consideration for the Test matches.

The report indicates that the pacer aims to ensure his full fitness for the forthcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March. Consequently, he asked selector Aaqib Javed not to include him as a potential option.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan has already been eliminated from the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Nevertheless, should South Africa secure a victory in one of the matches, they will qualify for the final, which is set to take place at Lord's Cricket Ground in June 2025.

"A source quoted by PTI stated that Shaheen specifically requested not to be considered for Test matches until after the Champions Trophy," the report noted.

When Pakistan announced their squad for the Test series against South Africa, interim head coach and senior selector Aaqib Javed mentioned that the management is carefully monitoring the left-arm pacer's workload to keep him in optimal condition for the eight-team tournament, the Champions Trophy.

Shaheen to manage workload in Bangladesh Premier League

The PTI report indicates that Shaheen has notified the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding a substantial offer he received from a franchise participating in the Bangladesh Premier League. Nevertheless, the fast bowler has assured the authorities that he will effectively manage his workload throughout the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from December 30 to February 7.

According to a source cited by PTI, "He assured the management and the board that the financial compensation was significant and that he would prioritize his fitness and workload during the event, thus requesting permission to participate in the league."

The source further mentioned, "Shaheen expressed confidence that he would be in optimal condition for the tri-series ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa, followed by the Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan. He also informed Aaqib that he could be considered for selection in the Test matches once the Champions Trophy concludes."

Following the two-Test series against South Africa, Pakistan is also scheduled to engage in two Tests against the West Indies at home in January 2025. It appears that Shaheen is unlikely to participate in the Tests against the West Indies as well.

Previously, Shaheen Shah Afridi was excluded from the last two Tests against England due to his disappointing performance in the first Test held in Multan.

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