Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah set to exit Pakistan’s red-ball squad

Pakistan’s red-ball cricket setup is set for a major overhaul after Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah were told their central contracts will not be renewed, sources confirmed on 15 July 2026.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to axe the fast-bowling contracts of its two biggest pace names, a move aimed at reshaping the domestic red-ball structure for the 2026-27 season. The decision follows months of internal reviews focused on improving depth and performance in the longer formats.

What happened?

The PCB informed both Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah that their red-ball contracts will not be extended beyond the current cycle. The news broke late on Tuesday, with the board yet to issue an official statement. Insiders say the cuts are part of a broader plan to refresh the domestic fast-bowling pool ahead of the next domestic season.

Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s premier fast bowler, has been a mainstay in the red-ball setup since 2018. Naseem Shah, his strike partner in the national team, joined the domestic red-ball fold last year after returning from injury. Both players were central to Pakistan’s Test and first-class plans this season.

Why it matters for Shaheen Afridi

For Shaheen Afridi, the move strips him of a key domestic platform just months before the 2026-27 domestic season. While he remains a core part of the national team across formats, the loss of red-ball match time could impact his rhythm in the longest format. Afridi has taken 175 wickets in 45 Tests at 23.66, and his absence from domestic red-ball cricket raises questions about his next steps.

The PCB’s shift also signals a generational push in domestic fast bowling. Younger pacers like Mir Hamza, Aamir Jamal, and Khurram Shahzad are expected to step up in the red-ball ranks. Afridi’s exclusion from the domestic setup may force a rethink in how Pakistan nurtures its fast-bowling talent.

What comes next?

The PCB will finalize the new domestic contracts by the end of July 2026. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will remain available for national team selection across all formats. Afridi is currently in England with Pakistan for the ongoing Test series, where he has taken 11 wickets in two matches so far.

Domestic boards will now scout for replacements in the red-ball circuit. The PCB has also hinted at revamping the domestic structure to include more A-team fixtures to bridge the gap. For Afridi, the focus shifts to national duty and T20 leagues, where his workload can be managed more tightly.

Reactions and fallout

While no official reaction has been recorded from Afridi or Shah, former selectors and pundits have called the move bold. Wasim Akram, the former Pakistan captain, said the PCB must ensure the new domestic pace crop is ready to step up. “You can’t just cut ties without a plan,” Akram told Geo News. “The board needs to back the youngsters with proper support.”

The PCB’s decision also raises questions about Afridi’s future in domestic cricket. At 26, he is still in his prime, but domestic red-ball cricket may no longer be part of his path. His next red-ball outing could now come only in a national jersey: or in franchise leagues abroad.