Home / Sports / Veteran Spinner Asif Afridi Earns Shock Test Recall After Spot-Fixing Ban
Veteran Spinner Asif Afridi Earns Shock Test Recall After Spot-Fixing Ban
20 Oct
Summary
- 39-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi handed Test debut
- Afridi served 6-month ban for spot-fixing in domestic cricket
- Preferred over seasoned Abrar Ahmed to partner regular spinners
On October 20th, 2025, the Pakistan cricket team made a controversial decision by handing a Test debut to 39-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who had previously served a six-month ban for his involvement in spot-fixing in domestic cricket.
Afridi's selection means that the team management has opted to play two left-arm spinners in the second Test against South Africa, as he will partner with Noman Ali, who already has an established presence in the team and picked up a 10-wicket haul in Pakistan's 94-run win in the first game in Lahore.
The decision to include Afridi, despite his past indiscretions, has raised eyebrows, as the Pakistan Cricket Board has not provided any explanation for relaxing the ban on the veteran spinner. Afridi was preferred over the more experienced Abrar Ahmed to join the spin duo of Noman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan, with Pakistan playing just one fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Meanwhile, the visitors, South Africa, have also been boosted by the return of left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test due to fitness issues. The Proteas have also opted to play tall left-arm pacer Marco Jansen, while leaving out Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen.
