What led to Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah's Test snub? Misbah clarifies

LAHORE: Pakistan men's selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq has clarified the rationale behind the omission of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah from the Test squad, stressing that their absence does not signal the end of their red-ball careers.

Pakistan recently announced its squads for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, handing call-ups to three uncapped players, while leaving out Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali and Hasan Ali. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also appointed Babar Azam as the new Test captain, replacing Shan Masood.

Speaking during a media conference on Sunday, Misbah explained that the selectors prioritised players who have been actively featuring in first-class cricket, while also taking workload management into consideration ahead of the two overseas Test series.

He insisted that missing out on a single squad should not be viewed as a setback to any player's long-term ambitions.

"Look, the announcement of any team does not end anyone's career, nor does it stop their goals. Going forward, you see where and how a performing player is needed," Misbah said.

The former Pakistan captain expressed confidence that Naseem remains firmly in the selectors' plans and believes the young pacer can force his way back into the side through strong performances.

"As for Naseem, it is quite clear that when the season comes, he will play and prove himself. If the team needs him, he can be selected," he added.

Misbah further revealed that the decision to leave out both Shaheen and Naseem was largely influenced by their lack of recent red-ball cricket rather than their ability.

"The reason for not selecting Shaheen or Naseem is that they are not currently playing four-day cricket, and their workload has not been geared towards the longer format. That is why we have preferred players who have been playing first-class cricket," he explained.

Naseem has represented Pakistan in 20 Test matches, claiming 60 wickets at an economy rate of 3.70. The 22-year-old last featured in a red-ball match during Pakistan's tour of South Africa in 2024.

Misbah also reaffirmed that left-arm spinner Noman Ali remains in contention despite being overlooked for the current squad, suggesting his experience could prove valuable whenever conditions require a specialist spinner.

"For Noman Ali as well, the door is still open. Wherever there is a need for him, he can certainly be selected," he said.

Noman has established himself as one of Pakistan's most successful Test spinners, taking 101 wickets in just 22 matches at an economy rate of 3.09. He has also made useful contributions with the bat, including a career-best Test score of 91.

The 38-year-old last featured in a Test during Pakistan's home series against Bangladesh in May this year, where he claimed four wickets. However, Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series whitewash.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are currently bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings after winning one and losing three of their four matches. They have four points and a points percentage of 8.33.

The two-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test is scheduled from 25 to 29 July, while the second will take place from 2 to 6 August.

Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will travel to England for a three-match Test series.

The opening Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds from 19 to 23 August, followed by the second at Lord's from 27 to 31 August. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from 9 to 13 September.