The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its Squad for South Africa Tour, making several strategic changes. Former captain Babar Azam is back in action after being rested during the recent Zimbabwe series. However, Sajid Khan, a key spinner, has been left out due to pitch conditions in South Africa favoring pacers.
Babar Azam’s Return
The star batsman, previously omitted after the England series, is expected to bolster Pakistan’s top order across formats.
Shaheen Shah Afridi has not been included in Pakistan’s team for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa this December and January. Afridi, who was dropped from Pakistan’s Test team following their loss in the first Test against England in October, is still included in the white-ball squads for the tour. Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, who were let go with Afridi following the initial Test, are back in the Test team.
Focus on Pace Attack
Selectors have prioritized fast bowlers for South Africa’s seam-friendly pitches. Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi headline the pace lineup, with Abbas returning after a two-year absence.
Sajid Khan Excluded
Despite his impressive performances against England, Sajid has been sidelined due to South Africa’s conditions being less conducive to spin. Sajid Khan, on the other hand, has been excluded from the traveling squad.
Together with Noman Ali, Sajid played a crucial role in changing the series against England when Pakistan modified their pitches to favor spinners, claiming 19 wickets over the two Tests. However, the pitches in South Africa will be significantly different from those, and Pakistan travels with only one spinner, having chosen Noman’s left-arm orthodox spin instead.
This indicates that Abrar Ahmed, who was viewed as Pakistan’s top Test spinner at the beginning of this season, has also been left out.
Khurram Shahzad makes his comeback to the Test team for the first time since a persistent rib injury kept him out after Pakistan’s home Tests against Bangladesh in August. At first, he was expected to be away for only a few days, but this would extend into a significantly longer time as he ended up missing the whole England Test series.
Since his return at the end of October, he has been in excellent form, claiming 13 wickets in two Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches, and an additional 15 in three innings against the Sri Lanka A team.
Seamer Mohammad Abbas also makes a comeback, having last participated in Test cricket for Pakistan in 2021. Abbas, known for his consistent accuracy and seam bowling, earned his place in the Pakistan team during their home Tests in the UAE. He is the sole fast bowler in the squad who participated in Pakistan’s most recent Test tour to South Africa in 2018-19.
Fakhar Zaman Still Missing from Squad for South Africa Tour
The opener continues to work on regaining form and fitness, a critical factor ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
White-Ball Workload Management
Shaheen Afridi is set to participate only in the white-ball matches, a decision aimed at workload management.
Match Schedule
- T20 Internationals: Beginning December 10.
- ODIs: Following the T20 series.
- Tests: Starting December 26 in Centurion and Cape Town.
Pakistan squads for South Africa tour
Tests: Shan Masood (capt), Saud Shakeel (vice-capt), 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
ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, 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)
T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, 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)
