Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa Tour

Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have been recalled to Pakistan's Test squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of South Africa. In contrast, Shaheen Afridi has been included exclusively in the white-ball squads as part of a workload management strategy aimed at preparing him for the Champions Trophy next year. This move follows Pakistan's strategic decisions during the recent England series, where they dropped these key players for the final two Tests to exploit spin-friendly conditions, resulting in a series comeback victory.

Babar, alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Saim Ayub, is one of only four players selected across all three formats for the tour.

Notable Inclusions in the Test Squad

The Test squad welcomes back Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza. Abbas, who last donned the national colours in August 2021, has been in sublime form, claiming 31 wickets in five matches during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Similarly, Shahzad enters the series on the back of a strong showing for Pakistan Shaheens, where he picked up 15 wickets against Sri Lanka A.

However, off-spinner Sajid Khan, who was named Player of the Series against England in October, has been excluded as Pakistan opted for the solitary spinner, Noman Ali. This decision aligns with the conditions expected in Cape Town and Centurion, favouring seam over spin.

Sufiyan Muqeem Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up

In the ODI squad, Sufiyan Muqeem has received his first call-up after an impressive showing in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe. Muqeem, who recorded career-best figures of 5 for 3 in the second T20I, has taken eight wickets across two matches, catching the selectors’ attention.

The T20I squad will travel directly to South Africa from Zimbabwe following their third match on December 6. Meanwhile, the Test squad is scheduled to arrive on December 13.

Tour Schedule

Pakistan will compete in three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests between December 10 and January 7. Shan Masood will lead the Test side, while Mohammad Rizwan will captain the white-ball squads.

Pakistan Test Squad:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan ODI Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).

Pakistan T20I Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk)

This highly anticipated series presents an opportunity for Pakistan to test their squad depth and refine their strategies against a competitive South African side.