Speedster Shaheen Afridi has been left out of Pakistan's squad for a two-test series in South Africa in a bid to keep him fresh for the Champions Trophy at home next year, the country's cricket board said on Wednesday.

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.

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.