Shaheen returns to first-class cricket

PCB instructions prompt left-armer to revive his Test ambitions

KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has decided to return to domestic first-class cricket on the instructions of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), seeking to earn his way back into the national Test squad through strong performances.

Shaheen will represent Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the Departments’ President’s Trophy Grade-I, which begins on Saturday, according to sources. He will not receive any remuneration from the organisation, the sources added.

The left-arm pacer was omitted from Pakistan's squads for their tours of the West Indies and England, with selectors citing his limited participation in first-class cricket among the reasons for his exclusion.

The decision, however, raised questions after Babar Azam was selected despite also having not played a domestic four-day match for several years.

Shaheen, 26, has taken 166 wickets in 43 first-class matches and will hope a strong domestic campaign can help him regain his place in Pakistan's Test setup.