Pakistan’s premier pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to be rested in the upcoming Test series against England

The three-match series will commence from December 01 and will be played at three venues, Karachi, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

The left-arm pacer hurt his knee while completing a catch during the T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Stadium.

He didn’t complete this spell, as England lifted the T20 World Cup for the second time. The Men in Green are now in line to host England for three World Test Championship matches.

Shaheen will undergo a full medical scan on his return to Pakistan and in light of the reports, a rehabilitation plan for the left-arm pacer will be arranged, sources said.

Moreover, it has been decided to rest the 22-year-old instead of taking the risk of playing him.

During his absence, pacer Haris Rauf is likely to make his long-awaited Test debut. He would be joining Naseem Shah and in-form pacer Mohammad Abbas for the series.

Abbas hasn’t featured from Pakistan since August 2021.

The squad for the series is expected to be announced next week after the consultation process.

There is also a possibility of Abrar Ahmed’s inclusion in the side, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed would be retained in the squad.

It is worth mentioning here that the Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening Test from December 01 to 05, Multan’s Multan Cricket Stadium will be the venue for the second five-day game from 09-13 December, while Karachi’s National Stadium, now known as the National Bank Cricket Arena will be the venue for the third and final game of the series from 17-21 December.