The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squads for the upcoming series against South Africa, set to begin on December 10. The series will feature both red-ball (Test) and white-ball (ODI and T20I) formats, with the announcement bringing several exciting returns of key players who had been sidelined due to injury or workload management.
One of the major inclusions is fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is making his return to the white-ball squad after missing the last two Tests against England. Afridi, who had been recovering from workload-related issues, is expected to play a crucial role in the ODI and T20I formats as Pakistan looks to build towards the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Another notable return is Mohammad Abbas, the experienced fast bowler, who has been recalled to the Test squad following his strong performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Abbas took an impressive 31 wickets in five matches, showing his excellent form and making a compelling case for his selection. This marks his return to Test cricket after a hiatus since 2021. Abbas will provide much-needed experience and depth to Pakistan's bowling attack in the red-ball format.
Naseem Shah, who missed the recent series against England due to injury, also makes a return to both the ODI and Test squads. The 21-year-old pacer, known for his pace and ability to challenge top-order batsmen, is expected to play a key role in Pakistan's bowling attack in both formats.
The squad also sees some fresh faces. Khurram Shahzad, who impressed with Pakistan Shaheens, has earned a spot in the Test squad, and Mir Hamza returns after a period of absence. Left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim, who performed well in the T20I series, has been included in the ODI squad, marking his first call-up for the 50-over format.
However, despite a strong performance in the England series, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been left out of the squad. The selectors have opted to include only one specialist spinner, Noman Ali, in the Test squad.
The T20I squad is scheduled to depart for South Africa on December 6, while the ODI and Test teams will leave on December 13. Red-ball coach Jason Gillespie will join the team in Johannesburg ahead of the Test series, further strengthening the coaching staff for the challenging tours ahead.
Here are the squads for Pakistan:
- 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
- Sufyan Moqim
- 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
- Sufyan Moqim
- Tayyab Tahir
- Usman Khan (wk)
The upcoming series against South Africa will be a crucial one for Pakistan, with many players looking to prove their fitness and form ahead of future international commitments.
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