LAHORE: Pakistan men’s selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq has clarified the reason behind the omission of pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah from the Test squad, insisting that their absence does not mark the end of their red-ball careers.
Pakistan recently announced its squad for the upcoming Test tours of the West Indies and England, calling up the three players left out in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali and Hasan Ali.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Babar Azam as the new Test captain to replace Shaun Masood.
Speaking during a media conference on Sunday, Misbah explained that the selectors prioritized players who have actively participated in first-class cricket considering workload management ahead of the two overseas Test series.
He emphasized that missing out on the same team should not be seen as a setback to any player’s long-term ambitions.
“Look, any team announcement doesn’t end anyone’s career, or stop their goals. Going forward, you can see where and how a performance player is needed,” Misbah said.
Former Pakistan captain Naseem is firm on the selectors’ plans and believes the young fast bowler can make a comeback with a strong performance.
“As for Naseem, it is clear that when the season comes, he will play and prove himself. If the team needs him, he can be picked,” he added.
Misbah further revealed that the decision to drop both Shaheen and Naseem was influenced more by the lack of recent red-ball cricket than their talent.
“The reason for not picking Shaheen or Naseem is that they are not currently playing four-day cricket and their workload is not towards the longer format. That is why we prefer players who play first-class cricket,” he explained.
Naseem has represented Pakistan in 20 Tests and has taken 60 wickets at an economy rate of 3.70. The 22-year-old last featured in a red-ball tournament in 2024 during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa.
Misbah reaffirmed that left-arm spinner Noman Ali remains in contention as an overlooked presence in the current squad, suggesting that his experience will be valuable whenever a specialist spinner is needed.
“Noman Alikum, the door is still open. Wherever there is a need, we can definitely choose,” he said.
He established himself as one of Pakistan’s most successful Test spinners, claiming 101 wickets in just 22 matches at an economy rate of 3.09. He has also made useful contributions with the bat, including a career-best Test score of 91.
The 38-year-old last featured in a Test during Pakistan’s home series against Bangladesh in May this year, where he took four wickets. But Pakistan whitewashed the series 2-0.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with one win and three losses. They have four points and an 8.33 points percentage.
The two-match Test series against the West Indies will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. The first Test will be played from July 25 to 29 and the second from August 2 to 6.
Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan travel to England for a three-match Test series.
The opening Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds from August 19 to 23, while the second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27 to 31. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.