Pakistan, June 9 -- Questions surrounding Shaheen Afridi's future in Test cricket have intensified after reports suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board is considering an extended break for the fast bowler from the red-ball format. The development has sparked fresh debate about his long-term place in Pakistan's Test plans as the team prepares for important overseas assignments.

Sources indicate that Shaheen is unlikely to feature in Pakistan's upcoming Test series against West Indies and England. If confirmed, the decision would keep one of Pakistan's leading pace bowlers out of two major Test contests and raise further doubts about his role in the national side's red-ball setup.

Moreover, his absence from the national red-ball traini...