Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have returned to Pakistan’s Test squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa in December and January. However, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been dropped from the squad. Afridi was released from the Test squad after Pakistan’s defeat in the first Test against England in October, though he remains part of the white-ball squad.
After being excluded from the Test squad following the first Test, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah have made a comeback to the red-ball team.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Afridi is only excluded from the Test format. Previously, Afridi himself considered Test cricket the least important format in his career, and this decision seems to be cementing that sentiment. Many expected Afridi to return for the South Africa series, given the pace-friendly conditions there. Five years ago, he played the second and third Tests in South Africa.
Since his knee injury against Sri Lanka in July 2022, Afridi has played six Tests, taking 17 wickets at an average of 45.47. After rejoining the squad for the home Test series against the West Indies in January, it was assumed that Afridi had secured his spot in the Test side. However, Pakistan does not have another home Test series until October 2025.
Seamer Mohammad Abbas, who last played a Test in 2021, has also been recalled to the squad. Abbas is the only fast bowler in the current squad who toured South Africa during the 2018-19 season.
Abrar Ahmed, who gained attention as a Test spinner at the beginning of the season, has been dropped from the upcoming series.
Khurram Shahzad, who suffered an injury during the home series against Bangladesh in August, has returned to the squad. Although his rib injury initially seemed minor, it sidelined him for the entire England series. He returned to action in late October and took 13 wickets in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Naseem Shah remains the only recognized fast bowler in the squad for the South Africa series, though Amir Jamal, Shahzad, Abbas, and Mir Hamza are also included.
Pakistan’s Schedule Against South Africa
From December 10 to 22, Pakistan will play three T20Is and three ODIs against South Africa. The first Test will begin in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town starting January 7.
Pakistan Squad for South Africa Tour
Test Squad
Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Amir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (Wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.
ODI Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper).
T20I Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Omar Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sufiyan Muqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper).
