LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director of High Performance (DHP) Aqib Javed has addressed the omission of fast bowler Shaheen Afridi from the ongoing red-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy.
Aqib responded to questions regarding Shaheen’s absence from the red-ball camp, amid eports suggesting that he and Noman Ali have been left out of the red-ball camp, with a focus on white-ball cricket.
Aqib responded to questions regarding Shaheen’s absence from the red-ball camp, amid reports suggesting that he had been left out with a focus on white-ball cricket.
“There is nothing permanent,” Aqib said in response.
Shaheen’s recent Test appearance came against Bangladesh last month, where he took five wickets in th the match. He was subsequently replaced by Khurram Shehzad for the second Test.
The PCB has named 22 players for the red-ball camp, with Shaheen among several notable absentees. However, he is part of the 27-member white-ball group that is due to report on 15 June.
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Aqib also commented on Pakistan’s approach for Asian Games 2026, saying that the emphasis was on balancing experience with youth development.
“As for your point about the team India have announced and the squad we have selected, our approach from the very beginning was that tournaments like these provide an opportunity to give chances to both our core players and promising youngsters,” explained Aqib.
“Our plan was to field a mix of experienced and young players. I am hopeful that, just as these players have beaten India and given them a tough time at the Under-19 and Shaheen-level competitions, they can deliver similar performances at this level as well.”
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For those unaware, Pakistan will compete alongside India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan in the 10-team Asian Games, set to be held in September.
Nepal, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Oman qualified through regional qualifiers in Singapore, while Japan entered as hosts.
Pakistan squad for Asian Games:
Sahibzada Farhan (c), Abdul Samad (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Akif Javed, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Haider Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Saad Masood, Saim Ayub, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan (wk).
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