Pakistan vs South Africa: Shaheen Afridi Excluded from Test Squad After Refusing Four-Day Match Set for BPL Debut

Shaheen Afridi was left out of the Test squad after he refused to play a four-day match, despite being asked by the selectors. The pacer was unable to comply for certain reasons. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, who also didn’t follow the same instructions, was included in the squad.

Shaheen Afridi recently played in the ODI series against South Africa, where he took seven wickets and helped Pakistan secure a 3-0 whitewash victory. However, he was not included in the Test squad for the South Africa tour. Afridi will play for Fortune Barishal in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League.

Sports journalist Saleem Khaliq highlighted that Shaheen Afridi faced consequences for not following the selector’s instructions. He also confirmed that despite not playing the four-day match, Babar Azam was still included in the squad, showing a difference in treatment between the two players. He said:

Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for “defying” selectors’ orders. The pacer was excluded from the Test squad for opting out of a four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the pacer, who was sent back from South Africa under the pretext of rest, has been allowed to participate in the BPL.

Shaheen Afridi faces consequences for “defying” selectors’ orders. The pacer was excluded from the Test squad for opting out of a four-day match, while Babar Azam was selected despite not doing so. Surprisingly, the pacer, who was sent back from South Africa under the pretext of…

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) December 27, 2024

Shaheen Afridi is set to debut in the Bangladesh Premier League with Fortune Barishal. The PCB has granted him a No-Objection Certificate until January 15, allowing him to play the first five matches of the T20 tournament, which runs from December 30 to February 7.