Why Was Shaheen Afridi Dropped From Pakistan’s Test Squad?
Shaheen Shah Afridi is not in Pakistan’s Test squad for the West Indies or England tours. Pakistan’s ODI captain was dropped from five consecutive Tests.
Aqib Javed explained the decision directly at the July 5 press conference. He said it is not acceptable for a bowler at international level to be clocking 126 to 127 km/h in the second innings of a Test match. He told reporters that Shaheen needs to return to first-class cricket to rebuild his pace and rhythm.
The Pace Problem
Shaheen at his peak operates between 140 and 148 km/h. In recent Test matches his second-spell pace has reportedly dropped to 126 to 127 km/h. That is a 15 to 20 km/h drop across a five-day match, which means Pakistan’s strike bowler is operating at medium-pace speeds when the team most needs wickets.
Aqib’s comment was pointed. He did not phrase it diplomatically. The implication was clear: Shaheen is not currently fit enough to maintain the intensity a Test match demands across multiple spells.
What Shaheen Must Do to Return
The selection committee has told Shaheen to play first-class cricket. No timeline was given. His return to the Test squad depends on demonstrating sustained pace across multiple four or five-day matches in domestic cricket.
This is the same standard PCB is now applying across the squad: domestic cricket participation as a condition of national selection. Shaheen’s case is simply the most high-profile application of that rule.
The Bigger Picture
Shaheen remains Pakistan’s ODI captain. His white-ball role is not in question. Only his Test fitness is being flagged.
Misbah-ul-Haq said at the press conference that Naseem Shah faces a similar concern, noting that neither Naseem nor Shaheen has looked at his best with the red ball recently and both need more first-class cricket to sharpen their red-ball skills.
Pakistan’s pace attack for West Indies and England now relies on Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and uncapped Ubaid Shah. Of these, Abbas is the most suited to English swing conditions. Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem Shah, provides raw pace and long-spell capacity for Caribbean heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shaheen Afridi dropped from Pakistan’s Test squad for West Indies 2026? Shaheen Shah Afridi was dropped because his bowling pace dropped to 126 to 127 km/h in the second innings of Test matches, well below his peak and below the standard required at international level. Chief selector Aqib Javed said Shaheen needs to play first-class cricket to regain his pace and rhythm.
Is Shaheen Afridi still Pakistan’s ODI captain? Yes. Shaheen Shah Afridi remains Pakistan’s ODI captain. He was dropped only from the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours. His white-ball captaincy is not affected by this decision.
Who replaces Shaheen Afridi in Pakistan’s Test bowling attack? Pakistan’s pace attack for the West Indies and England tours includes Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and uncapped Ubaid Shah. Mohammad Abbas is considered the strongest option for English swing conditions.
