Pakistan’s ODI captain and premier fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to return to first-class cricket by representing his boyhood department, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), in the upcoming President’s Trophy Grade-I, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old fast bowler is expected to feature in the departmental first-class competition after being left out of Pakistan’s squads for the away series against the West Indies and England.
Shaheen set for first-class return
According to sources, Shaheen will return to first-class cricket for the first time since his breakthrough 2017 season in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Shaheen made his Test debut for Pakistan in 2018 and has since established himself as one of the country’s leading fast bowlers. He has now played 34 Tests for Pakistan.
Sources said the left-arm pacer will turn out for KRL in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, which is scheduled to begin on September 12.
KRL, who finished fourth in the previous edition of the departmental first-class tournament, will begin their campaign against Ghani Glass. The first-round match is scheduled to be played in Peshawar from September 12 to 15.
ODI captain also expected in President’s Cup
Shaheen is also expected to represent KRL in the President’s Cup, the departmental List-A competition.
The Pakistan ODI captain recently guided Pakistan Gold to victory in the inaugural National Champions Cup. His side defeated Shadab Khan-led Pakistan Greens in the final to claim the title.
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The President’s Cup was initially scheduled to take place in August but was postponed until December following a request from the national selection committee and the white-ball team management.
The decision was taken to provide players with sufficient rest following the National Champions Cup.
President’s Cup remains key 50-over tournament
The President’s Cup features the same eight departments that will compete in the first-class edition of the President’s Trophy.
The tournament has served as Pakistan’s standalone departmental List-A competition during the past two seasons.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) discontinued the Pakistan Cup after the 2023-24 season, making the President’s Cup the country’s main 50-over domestic competition.
Shaheen’s participation in the departmental tournaments would give the Pakistan captain valuable competitive cricket while also allowing him to maintain his workload ahead of future international assignments.
