Pakistan star bowler Shaheen Afridi doubtful for Sri Lanka Test series

Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan’s star pace bowler Shaheen Afridi is reportedly doubtful to start in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle as he is likely to miss the two-match series against Sri Lanka.

Afridi, who is currently plying trade in the T20 Blast for Nottinghamshire, is expected to miss the series due to workload management in an ODI World Cup year according to Pakistan’s Geo Super. Sri Lanka will announce the schedule of the series anytime soon.

Afridi last played for Pakistan in July 2022 and was on an injury break from the format. His return can further be delayed now with Pakistan starting their march in the new WTC cycle. 

The WTC 2021-23 ended with Australia reigning supreme after their win over India in the showdown clash at The Oval. Pat Cummins’ Australia registered a cakewalk 209-run win over Rohit Sharma-led India in their defence of 444. The next Test championship cycle begins with the much anticipated five-match Ashes series, starting on 16 June at Edgbaston.

Notably, Pakistan is unlikely to play the two ODI matches against Sri Lanka. The two teams were reportedly mulling over the possibility to play two 50-over games but that is likely to be dropped.