Shaheen Afridi Declares Red-Ball Cricket His ‘First Priority’ in Test Comeback Push
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reaffirmed his commitment to Test cricket, declaring that red-ball cricket remains his “first priority” as he returns to Pakistan’s domestic first-class competition in an effort to regain his place in the national Test squad.
The 26-year-old left-arm pacer is representing Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, marking his return to domestic first-class cricket in Pakistan after a prolonged absence.
“Red-ball cricket is always my first priority,” Shaheen said ahead of his comeback. He added that he had always loved the longer format but international commitments had limited his opportunities to play domestic first-class cricket.
Shaheen said the President’s Trophy now gives him an opportunity to play red-ball cricket and demonstrate his readiness for a return to Pakistan’s Test side.
First Domestic First-Class Appearance Since 2019
Shaheen’s return is significant because his last confirmed domestic first-class appearance in Pakistan came in the 2019-20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, when he represented Northern against Southern Punjab in October 2019.
He first made a major impression in first-class cricket as a teenager while playing for KRL in 2017, taking eight wickets for 39 runs on debut. He subsequently progressed through Pakistan’s Under-19 system before establishing himself in the senior national team.
Shaheen has taken 166 wickets in 43 first-class matches during his career.
His return to KRL therefore brings him back to the team where his rise in professional red-ball cricket began.
Shaheen Targets Pakistan Test Recall
The fast bowler’s renewed focus on first-class cricket comes after he was omitted from Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England.
Selectors had cited his limited involvement in first-class cricket among the reasons for leaving him out.
Shaheen has made clear that he wants to regain his Test place and sees domestic red-ball performances as the route back into the national side.
His absence has attracted particular attention during Pakistan’s difficult Test tour of England. The national side entered the third Test facing the prospect of a series whitewash, while its pace attack and broader red-ball structure have come under scrutiny. Reuters reported that Pakistan had lost 15 of their previous 20 Tests by the second day of the Edgbaston match.
President’s Trophy Offers Comeback Opportunity
The President’s Trophy Grade-I begins Pakistan’s 2026-27 domestic red-ball season and runs from September 12 to October 28.
Eight departmental teams will contest 28 four-day league matches, with the top two teams advancing to a five-day final.
KRL open their campaign against Ghani Glass at the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar. Shaheen is joined in the domestic competition by several other Pakistan internationals, with Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub among those involved.
For Shaheen, however, the tournament carries particular significance.
After years in which international cricket and white-ball commitments limited his domestic first-class appearances, a sustained run in the President’s Trophy could provide the evidence selectors are seeking regarding his form, fitness and ability to manage the workload required in Test cricket.
His declaration that red-ball cricket remains his first priority now puts the focus firmly on his performances as he attempts to force his way back into Pakistan’s Test plans.
