Why has Shaheen Afridi been left out of South Africa Tests?

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's star bowler, was dropped out of the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board has recently released the squad for the South Africa series which will be almost a month long. On the tour of South Africa, they will play the T20I, ODI, and Test series, which will end just before the Champions Trophy. Considering the much-awaited tournament, PCB has rested Shaheen Afridi in the South Africa series. 

Regarding Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion, the statement made by Aaqib Javed read, "Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness."

Pakistan's series against Australia was a successful one, where they beat the mighty Aussies in the ODI series in their own home ground. Now, they will aim to do the same against the Proteas. The South African team is strong, especially the batting order. 

Pakistan's squad for upcoming South Africa series

Pakistan Test Squad for South Africa tour

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

Pakistan ODI Squad for South Africa tour

Mohammad Rizwan (captain & WK), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (WK)

Pakistan T20I squad for South Africa tour 

Mohammad Rizwan (captain & WK), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (WK)