Aqib Javed Sets The Guidelines for Shaheen Afridi’s Return to Test Cricket

Pakistan head coach Aqib Javed has emphasized the importance of four-day cricket as a prerequisite for Test match inclusion, reigniting discussions about Shaheen Afridi’s absence from the national team during the recent Test series.

Shaheen, widely regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, missed the South Africa tour, sparking criticism given the fast-bowler-friendly conditions in Cape Town and Centurion. While workload management ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy was initially cited, Javed clarified that Afridi’s lack of recent four-day cricket was the decisive factor. Shaheen was also not selected for the ongoing home series against the West Indies.

Speaking at a press conference before Pakistan’s second Test against the West Indies, Aqib Javed addressed questions about Shaheen Afridi’s omission from the South Africa series. “There’s a difference between one-day cricket and Test matches. For Tests, you need the stamina to bowl 25-30 overs a day. If you’ve been out of four-day cricket for months, it’s hard to maintain the energy levels required for the longer format,” Javed explained.

The head coach highlighted the challenges fast bowlers face in Tests, particularly when bowling to tailenders after extended spells. He added, “If players can participate in leagues before Tests, they should also play four-day matches to ensure their fitness and stamina are up to standard for the demands of Test cricket.”

"Before Test matches, you have to play 4-day cricket."

Aqib Javed responds to a question about Shaheen Shah Afridi not playing Test cricket.#PAKvWI | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/6emaP3XuEQ

— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 24, 2025

Javed also addressed the decision to play Mohammad Abbas over Afridi in the Cape Town Test. Returning to the Test side after a three-year absence, Abbas played a pivotal role in taking the match to a dramatic finish. Javed defended the decision, stating, “If Shaheen had played, Abbas wouldn’t have had the opportunity. His performance proved crucial in making the match competitive.”

Aqib Javed’s remarks about Shaheen Afridi underline his no-nonsense approach, which he has brought to the role since taking over from Jason Gillespie. Despite coaching Shaheen’s Lahore Qalandars to two PSL titles, Aaqib holding him to the same standard as everyone else bodes well for the future of Pakistan’s Test team.