Pakistan has unveiled three squads for the tour to South Africa from 10 December to 7 January. The squad contains three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Former Test skipper Babar Azam gets a recall by Aqib Javed, Announces Babar Azam’s Return, Afridi Excluded, but there will be no red-ball for fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi after being left out in that format to keep his workload under control.
The selectors have chosen the strategy, considering that South Africa is a pace-friendly country. Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who managed 19 wickets during Pakistan’s recent home Test series against England, was also omitted. Instead, left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who had taken 20 wickets against England, has been retained as the lone specialist spinner for the Tests.
Mohammad Abbas, a very accurate pacer, who made his last Test appearance a couple of years ago returns to the Test squad and has his teammate Khurram Shahzad has done well in the domestic circuit too. The fast bowling responsibilities are with Naseem Shah and others Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal, and Shahzad.
Aaqib Javed, the senior selector, spoke about the change. “Leaving Sajid out was tough, but we have chosen a well-balanced side suited for South Africa’s conditions.” Afridi hasn’t been doing too great in Tests after his return from a knee injury. He will now shift his focus to the white-ball format and prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Muqim, and Omair Yousuf have retained their places in the white-ball squads after impressive performances. Pakistan will look to solidify their position in ODIs before the Champions Trophy while balancing experience with new blood in T20Is.
The tour will start with the first T20I in Durban on 10 December, followed by the ODI series and Tests in Centurion and Cape Town. Pakistan is looking for its first-ever Test series victory in South Africa.
Such players have been retained in white-ball teams after some exceptional performances. Pakistan will now attempt to consolidate its ODI position before the Champions Trophy while blending experience with fresh talent in T20Is.
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