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Babar, Shaheen And...? Pakistan Stars Who Could Be Dropped From Tests For WTC 2025-27

Debashis Sarangi

Babar, Shaheen could be dropped from Tests [Source: @StraightDrive_, @TalkB4Wicket/X]Babar, Shaheen could be dropped from Tests [Source: @StraightDrive_, @TalkB4Wicket/X]

Pakistan had a horrible outing in the second Test against West Indies, as the visitors crushed them by 120 runs in Multan to restore parity in the series. Led by Kraigg Brathwaite, West Indies showcased commendable skill and resilience to score 244 runs in their second innings. Chasing 254, Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals, as Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican bowled them out for 133 runs in the second innings. 

The third World Test Championship cycle witnessed Pakistan's exponential downfall in the format. The Men in Green finished at the bottom with a miserable PCT of 27.98. So, moving on to the next cycle, Pakistan might drop several big names in order to evolve their performance as a unit in Test cricket. 

1. Babar Azam

  • Pakistan's ace batter Babar Azam had a forgettable time in the West Indies Tests, managing only 45 runs across four innings at an average of 11.25. 
  • Babar has endured a prolonged lean patch in Tests. Since January 2023, the right-handed batter has struck 590 runs at a horrendous average of 23.60. Considering he has been unable to fix his woes against the fourth-stump channel deliveries and improve his game against spin, Pakistan might consider dropping Babar and replacing him with a fresh face in the lineup. 

2. Shaheen Afridi

  • Just like Babar Azam, premier fast bowler Shaheen Afridi was sidelined from Tests following his modest returns on home soil. Although the PCB stated that Shaheen was rested to manage his workload, the fast bowler denied it with a cheeky remark in a recent event. 
  • Also, Pakistan's newly appointed coach Aaqib Javed indirectly slammed the pacer for playing T20 leagues while remaining unavailable for the domestic red-ball matches. Therefore, Shaheen's Test form and disciplinary issues might lead to his exclusion from Pakistan's Test side for the next WTC cycle. 

3. Shan Masood

  • Pakistan's veteran opener Shan Masood has been a huge disappointment as a Test captain. Since taking over the reins from Babar Azam, Masood has led Pakistan to only three wins in twelve attempts, with the team losing the remaining nine fixtures. 
  • Masood's performance as a batter hasn't been up to the mark, as he has scored 935 runs at a modest average of 33.39 in 29 Test innings since 2023. 
  • Also, given that he is 35 years old, Pakistan might drop the experienced batter and replace him with either Mohammad Rizwan or Saud Shakeel as the Test captain. 

4. Abdullah Shafique

  • Stylish opening batter Abdullah Shafique rose to prominence following a string of incredible performances in 2021 and 2022. 
  • However, after a horrendous run-scoring drought in 2024, Shafique lost his place from the Test side. In six innings, the opening batter could amass 174 runs at an average of 15.82, and his vulnerability against the moving ball forced Pakistan to drop him from the Test side. 
  • Therefore, with Saim Ayub returning after injury, Shafique might be ignored for the next WTC cycle.