Shaheen Afridi eyes Test comeback, returns to Pak's first-class cricket after 7 years

Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to make a long-awaited return to Pakistan domestic first-class cricket after being named in the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) squad for the President’s Trophy Grade-I. The tournament begins on September 12, giving the left-arm fast bowler an opportunity to push for a return to Pakistan’s Test side.

Afridi’s inclusion comes after he was left out of Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England. According to reports, his limited participation in first-class cricket was among the reasons behind his omission.

The 26-year-old’s last domestic first-class appearance came in October 2019, when he played for Northern against Southern Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He has not played a domestic four-day match since, making his return to the format a significant step in his bid to revive his Test career.

Shaheen last played Test cricket on Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh earlier this year. In 34 Tests, the left-arm pacer has taken 126 wickets, including 13 four-wicket hauls and four five-wicket hauls.

SHAHEEN EYES STRONG FIRST-CLASS PERFORMANCE

Afridi will now turn out for KRL, the team with which he made his first-class debut in 2017. His debut remains one of the most memorable spells in Pakistan domestic cricket, as he claimed eight wickets in the second innings against Rawalpindi, finishing with figures of 8 for 39.

The President’s Trophy could therefore provide Afridi with an important opportunity to demonstrate that he can still handle the workload required in red-ball cricket. The PCB has included him in KRL’s squad alongside players such as captain Iftikhar Ahmed and vice-captain Fakhar Zaman.

Afridi’s return also comes at a turbulent time for Pakistan’s Test cricket. The team has undergone major changes during the ongoing England series, with seven players sent home after heavy defeats in the first two Tests and the coaching staff also reshuffled.

For Afridi, however, the immediate focus will be on proving his red-ball credentials rather than Pakistan’s wider upheaval. A strong run in the President’s Trophy could strengthen his case for a Test recall and allow him to rebuild his place in the longest format after a prolonged absence from domestic four-day cricket.

The first-class tournament will feature 28 league matches involving eight teams, with the top two sides progressing to the final on October 28.

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