Pakistan’s ace fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, has once again pledged his commitment to Test cricket, declaring it his “true and top priority” as he works to regain his place in the team after a prolonged absence from the format.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Shaheen recounted a pivotal moment in his career when his older brother, Riaz Afridi, who played a solitary Test for Pakistan, questioned his credentials as a cricketer.
“You’re still not a true cricketer,” Riaz had told a young Shaheen in 2018, despite his meteoric rise in T20 and ODI cricket at the time. When Shaheen asked why, Riaz responded, “Until you play Test cricket, you’re not a proper international cricketer.” Those words left a lasting impression on the left-arm pacer, instilling in him an unwavering dedication to the game’s longest format.
Shaheen Afridi’s passion for Test cricket has been evident in his bowling, but his journey over the years hasn’t been without hurdles. After establishing himself as Pakistan’s spearhead, injuries and team selection decisions limited him to playing only two of Pakistan’s seven Tests in 2024, as Pakistan’s Test team fell into a downward spiral.
His absence from crucial red-ball assignments, including Pakistan’s South Africa tour, raised questions about his long-term role in the format despite his young age. Afridi, however, has remained adamant: “I will always be available for Test cricket.”
His absence from the red-ball squad was partially due to Pakistan’s strategy of preparing spin-friendly tracks at home, but missing the South Africa Tests—where Pakistan struggled—intensified the debate.
Instead, Afridi was playing in the Bangladesh Premier League, a decision that sparked criticism from fans and analysts alike. Despite all that, Shaheen truly shone in ODIs for Pakistan last year. He was instrumental in Pakistan’s historic ODI series victories against Australia (2-1) and South Africa (3-0), where he led the bowling attack with 15 wickets in six matches—the highest by any Pakistan bowler.
With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy set to be hosted in Pakistan, Afridi is excited to once again lead the attack on home soil. “Playing a global event in front of our own people is special. We always see how home teams benefit from crowd support, and now it’s our turn to experience that boost,” he said.
With a home Champions Trophy on the horizon and the opportunity to return to Pakistan’s Test squad, Shaheen Afridi is eager to prove his worth across all formats. But no matter the format, his heart remains in red-ball cricket. “I will always be available for Test cricket,” Afridi reaffirmed. “It is my true passion.”
