Pakistan speedster Shaheen Afridi has been named in Pakistan’s Test squad for the two-match away series against Sri Lanka next month.
Shaheen Afridi Named in Pakistan Test Squad Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan also included uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal in the 16-strong squad for what will be Pakistan’s first assignment in the third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.
The squad has been named considering the conditions that the team will encounter in Sri Lanka. The team consists of four spinners, four fast bowlers, six specialist batters and two keeper-batters.
Pakistan Test Squad For Sri Lanka Tour
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood
It is worth mentioning, Shaheen is one wicket away from reaching the 100 Test wickets mark and no Pakistan bowler has picked up more wickets than him since the left-armer made his debut on 3 December 2018.
“I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket and it was tough for me to be away from this format”, says Shaheen on his Test return.
“After missing our entire home season because of the injury I suffered in Sri Lanka, I am eager to make an impactful comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. I want to thank my fans who have provided me support in tough times and I am ready for the challenges ahead”, he added.
Pakistan squad will assemble in Karachi on 3 July for a camp ahead of their departure for Sri Lanka on 9 July. The itinerary of the tour will be announced by Sri Lanka Cricket in due course. Notably, Pakistan and Sri Lanka last played a Test series in July 2022 that was drawn 1-1.
