Shaheen Afridi wants to opt out of Test matches till 2025 Champions Trophy: Reports

Pakistan's premier pacer Shaheen Afridi has reportedly chosen not to participate in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The Men in Green are scheduled to play two Tests against South Africa.

However, as per a PTI report, Afridi has requested the management to not consider him for the South Africa Tests. The left-arm pacer wants to give priority to his fitness keeping the upcoming Champions Trophy in mind, which will take place in February and March next year.

Reportedly, Afridi has also communicated his decision to Aqib Javed, who is Pakistan's interim head coach and chief selector.

"The truth is Shaheen himself requested he not be considered for Test matches until the Champions Trophy is over," an unnamed source was quoted as saying by PTI.

"Shaheen said he would be fully fit in time for the tri-series ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa followed by the Champions Trophy at home," the source added.

The report also added that Shaheen Afridi has informed the interim head coach that he can be selected to play Test cricket after the Champions Trophy.

"Shaheen told Aaqib he can be selected for Tests once the Champions Trophy is completed," the source further added.

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Shaheen Afridi to participate in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)?

Pakistan will play South Africa in a two-match Test series between December 26, 2024, and January 7, 2025. The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is set to be held around the same time (December 30 to February 7).

As per the PTI report, Shaheen Afridi has been offered to play in the upcoming BPL season for a lucrative amount. The pacer has informed the team management and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to let him play in the league.

"He assured the management and board the money was very good and he would look after his fitness and workload during the event so he should be permitted to play in the league," the source said.

Shaheen has assured the management that playing in the BPL will not affect his fitness and that he will be completely fit for the tri-series ODIs against New Zealand and South Africa.

Opting out of the Tests against South Africa but willing to play in the BPL could come across as a contradictory move by the left-arm seamer.