Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi has opted out of the upcoming Test against South Africa and subsequent games of red-ball cricket in a bid to be ready for the ICC Champions Trophy early next year.

A source aware of the developments told PTI: “The truth is that Shaheen himself requested that he not be considered for the Test matches until the Champions Trophy is over.”

Notably, Pakistan will compete in four Test matches during this World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Their first red-ball challenge will be against South Africa, where Shan Masood’s team will play a two-match Test series from January 27 to December 7.

After this, the Men in Green will take on the West Indies in another two-match Test series, scheduled to take place from January 17 to 19 next year. This series will mark Pakistan’s last Test task in the current WTC cycle.

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Will Shaheen Afridi retire from Test cricket?

Instead, Shaheen will play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), plying his trade for Fortune Barishal. It is understood that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted Shaheen Afridi a no-objection certificate until January 15. Playing in the BPL can help Shaheen hone his white-ball skills ahead of the ICC event next year.

“He assured management and the board that the money was very good and that he would take care of his fitness and workload during the event, so he should be allowed to play in the league,” the source added.

Shaheen’s recent decision has sparked speculation about his time in the longer format. While there has been no official confirmation regarding his future in the format, the recent development has certainly sparked retirement rumors about the left-arm pacer. It is understandable as Test cricket takes its toll on fast bowlers and Shaheen wants to prolong his international career.

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