Shaheen Afridi eyes Test comeback, returns to Pak's first-class cricket after 7 years

Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to make a long-awaited return to Pakistan domestic first-class cricket after being named in the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) squad for the President’s Trophy Grade-I. The tournament begins on September 12, giving the left-arm fast bowler an opportunity to push for a return to Pakistan’s Test side.Afridi’s inclusion comes after he was left out of Pakistan’s Test squads for the tours of the West Indies and England. According to reports, his limited participation in first-class cricket was among the reasons behind his omission.The 26-year-old’s last domestic first-class appearance came in October 2019, when he played for Northern against Southern Punjab in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He has not played a domestic four-day match since, making his return to the format a significant step in his bid to revive his Test career.Shaheen last played Test cricket on Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.