Shaheen Afridi has been rested for Pakistan's South Africa Tests, prioritising his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy. The decision, although pragmatic, sparked debate amongst fans and fuelled speculation about his recent exclusion from consecutive Test squads.

Pakistan have omitted leading fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from their Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa as they look to keep him “physically and mentally fresh” for the ICC Champions Trophy,

Afridi's omission makes it unlikely that he will win his place back for Pakistan's home Test series against West Indies in January

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, was only picked for the white-ball matches for the South Africa tour.

Shaheen Afridi has 9 wickets from 2 Tests on South African soil. His bowling style would have suited the conditions.

Pakistan have announced the squads for the upcoming multi-format South Africa tour with Babar Azam being named in all three squads along with Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squads for the all-format series against South Africa. Pakistan will play three T20Is and many ODIs and two Tests on the tour. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have made a return to all three squads.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas has made his comeback into the Test squad whereas Shaheen Afridi has been rested for the red-ball series on South African soil.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday, December 4 named squads for the multi-format tour of South Africa. Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan were the notable omissions from the Test team as Pakistan picked as many as five pace-bowling options for two Test matches in the rainbow nation.