Big names return as PCB announce squads for South Africa series
PCB Announces Squads for South Africa Series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the squads for the upcoming series against South Africa, set to take place from December 10 to January 7. The series includes T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches.
Shaheen Afridi Returns for ODIs
Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to return for the white-ball matches after sitting out the last two Tests against England due to workload management. The decision aims to keep him in top form for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Abbas and Naseem Shah in Test Squad
Mohammad Abbas, who last played a Test in 2021, earns a comeback after an outstanding performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he claimed 31 wickets in five matches. Naseem Shah, recovering from an earlier injury, is back in both the Test and ODI squads.
Selectors have also included Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza in the Test squad, rewarding their impressive performances with the Pakistan Shaheens. However, off-spinner Sajid Khan, despite taking 19 wickets against England, has been left out, with only one specialist spinner, Noman Ali, included.
Sufyan Moqim Earns First ODI Call-Up
Young left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim has been called up for the ODI squad after shining in the T20I series.
Coaching and Travel Plans
The T20I squad will travel to South Africa on December 6, while the ODI and Test squads will follow on December 13. Red-ball coach Jason Gillespie will join the team in Johannesburg before the Test series begins.
Pakistan Squads for South Africa Tour:
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
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)
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)
With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, Pakistan aims to deliver strong performances across all formats during this crucial tour.
