Shaheen Afridi Returns as Pakistan Announce Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

The last Test series between Pakistan & Sri Lanka ended in a 1-1 draw (ICC Twitter)

Pakistan bowling’s spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, is set to make a return to the Test squad after a long hiatus. The southpaw has been included in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka which is scheduled to commence next month.

Shaheen Afridi returns to Pakistan Test squad

Afridi, who stands on the verge of reaching 100 Test wickets, was absent from the format since his last appearance against Sri Lanka in July 2022. It was during that encounter in Galle that he suffered a knee injury.

Although he made a valiant return during the T20 World Cup in October, fate dealt him another blow as he reinjured his knee during the final match. Notwithstanding these setbacks, Afridi demonstrated his leadership abilities by captaining the Lahore Qalandars to back-to-back PSL titles earlier this year. Furthermore, he was also a part of the Pakistan squad for the subsequent T20I and ODI series against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, besides Afridi, the Pakistan national selection committee has also included uncapped batter Mohammad Huraira and all-rounder Aamir Jamal in the 16-member squad. The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan series will mark the Men in Green's inaugural assignment in the much-anticipated third cycle of ICC World Test Championship.

Expressing his heartfelt elation at the prospect of making a comeback into the Pakistan Test squad, Afridi was grateful for the immense support he has received from his ardent fans during tough times, the pacer stands firm and prepared to confront the forthcoming challenges that lie ahead.

“I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket and it was tough for me to be away from this format. I want to thank my fans who have provided me support in tough times and I am ready for the challenges ahead.” said Afridi as quoted by cricketpakistan.com.

The Pakistan squad is set to convene in Karachi on July 3, where an intensive training camp will be held in preparation for their departure to Sri Lanka on July 9. The precise details of the tour itinerary will be disclosed by Sri Lanka Cricket in due course.

Pakistan squad vs Sri Lanka

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz,  Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Shaheen Afridi Saud Shakeel, and Shan Masood

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