Shaheen Afridi returns as Pakistan announce Test squad for Sri Lanka series; Mohammad Huraira, Aamer Jamal earn maiden call-ups

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to the Test squad for the upcoming away series against Sri Lanka. Pakistan will play two Tests against Sri Lanka in their first assignment in the new World Test Championship cycle (2023-25).

Shaheen missed Pakistan's whole home season due to a knee injury sustained last year. Shaheen led Lahore Qalandars to victory in the last season of the Pakistan Super League as they defeated Multan Sultans. Since this will be Shaheen's return to the longest format of the game, he will be raring to prove a point again.

Pakistan's team for the Sri Lanka tour also comprises batter Mohammad Huraira and allrounder Aamer Jamal, both of whom have earned their maiden call-ups. Meanwhile, Morne Morkel, the former South African fast bowler, has been named as the team's bowling coach as per a six-month deal.

Very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year: Shaheen

Shaheen expressed his excitement after being made a part of the 16-member squad after a year away from Test cricket. He stated that he missed Test cricket and that being away from this format was difficult for him. The speedster went on to say that he is eager to make an impressive comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in the longest format of the game.

"I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket and it was tough for me to be away from this format. After missing our entire home season because of the injury I suffered in Sri Lanka, I am eager to make an impactful comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. I want to thank my fans who have provided me support in tough times and I am ready for the challenges ahead," Shaheen was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan Test squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc, wk), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood