• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Revealed When Babar Azam Shaheen Afridi Could Play Their Next International Match

Revealed: When Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi Could Play Their Next International Match

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X]

Pakistan's two most decorated players, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, won't participate in the upcoming T20 International series against Bangladesh. Led by Agha Salman, Pakistan are all set to take on Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, with the opening game scheduled at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

When Will Babar, Shaheen Be Seen In Pakistan Colours?

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have been prolific performers for Pakistan across three formats of the game. However, both players failed to make the cut when the PCB selection committee announced Pakistan's star-studded squad for the Bangladesh T20I series. 

Considering their reputation and overall record, cricket fans were surprised at the selection panel's decision to leave Babar and Shaheen out of the T20I team for such a crucial tour. As both players toil to make a comeback, here we explain when they could play their next international match for Pakistan. 

Babar, Shaheen Have Slim Chances Of Playing Pakistan's Upcoming White-Ball Matches

According to the PCB's future tour programmes, Pakistan will tour the Caribbean after the conclusion of the Bangladesh T20I series. It will be a white-ball tour comprising three T20Is and as many ODIs. 

As things stand, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi aren't in Pakistan's T20I plans. While Babar averages just 33.55 across 23 T20I innings this year, Shaheen's inconsistency was a major reason behind his ouster from the shortest format. 

Additionally, with the T20I World Cup coming up, Pakistan are planning to fine-tune their squad by providing ample opportunities to young and exciting prospects. The likes of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris and Agha Salman are in the mix, with Pakistan aiming to form a dynamic batting core. 

Talking about the bowling department, Salman Mirza, Ahmed Daniyal, and Abbas Afridi have been chosen as the frontline pacers to lead Pakistan's new-age bowling attack. Thus, unless these players perform horribly and lead the Men in Green to a series defeat against Bangladesh, the PCB won't likely recall Babar and Shaheen for the West Indies T20Is. 

However, the star duo might still be named in the ODI squad that will take on the Caribbean side in three games. Thus, if the PCB keeps these two players on the sidelines in the shortest format but includes them for the ODI leg, we might see them play next in the first ODI against West Indies in Tarouba, Trinidad, on August 8.