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’s 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 and gives the left-arm fast bowler an opportunity to push for a return to the Pakistan Test side.

Afridi’s inclusion comes after he was left out of Pakistan’s Test squads for the West Indies and England tours. According to reports, his limited participation in first-class cricket was one of the reasons for 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 then, 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 paceman took 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 he made his first-class debut with in 2017. His debut remains one of the most memorable spells in Pakistan domestic cricket as he took eight wickets in the second innings against Rawalpindi to finish with figures of 8 for 39.

So the President’s Trophy could provide an important opportunity for Afridi to show that he can still handle the rigors of red-ball cricket. The PCB included him in the KRL squad alongside players like 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 a change in the coaching staff.

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

The premier tournament will feature 28 league matches involving eight teams, with the top two teams advancing to the final on October 28.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

10 Sep 2026 18:43 IST