Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi, is likely to miss the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa, with team management actively considering his replacement.
According to senior sports journalist Saleem Khaliq, the Pakistan team management is already evaluating potential options to fill Shaheen’s spot as they finalize combinations for the white-ball leg of South Africa’s tour.
Importantly, Afridi is not being dropped. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly keen to offer him a well-earned break ahead of a packed international calendar. Upcoming commitments include a tri-nation series next month, a stint in the Big Bash League, a probable tour of Sri Lanka, and ultimately the T20 World Cup in February next year.
Shaheen has been a consistent presence in the national side since his return, and his recent inclusion in the Test squad suggests a strategic rest may be on the horizon to preserve his fitness for more critical assignments.
If rested, Shaheen Afridi would be the second major player to miss the South Africa series, with Haris Rauf also expected to be unavailable. While the PCB has yet to confirm replacements, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Naseem Shah are strong contenders to step in.
Shaheen’s recent performances, particularly in the 2025 Asia Cup where he contributed significantly with both bat and ball, have reaffirmed his value to the team. The decision to rest him appears to be a prudent move to safeguard Pakistan’s star pacer ahead of a busy cricketing calendar.
The PCB is expected to announce the white-ball squads for the South Africa series soon.