Fakhar Zaman among key players likely to return for South Africa ODIs

Fakhar Zaman Set to Return for Pakistan’s South Africa Tour

Left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, along with other senior players, is expected to rejoin Pakistan’s squad for their upcoming white-ball series against South Africa in December. The tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches, as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.

Sources reveal that discussions regarding the squad selection are nearing completion, with the official announcement likely to come after Pakistan’s ongoing ODI series against Zimbabwe or following the first T20I, which is scheduled for December 1. The team management plans to give younger players opportunities, especially during the T20I series, which may lead to some senior players being rested for the shortest format.

However, for the ODIs, Pakistan is expected to field a full-strength squad, with key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Fakhar Zaman set to return. Fakhar’s inclusion is especially important as the team looks ahead to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

On the Test side, Imam-ul-Haq, who has not played since December 2023, is being considered for the red-ball series. In preparation, a special training camp for Test players is being planned in South Africa to help them adjust to the local conditions. This camp, lasting between seven and ten days, will focus exclusively on the Test squad, as players participating in both formats will have already acclimatized during the white-ball series.

Pakistan’s Tour of South Africa Schedule:

• T20I Series:
  • Dec 10 – 1st T20I, Durban
  • Dec 13 – 2nd T20I, Centurion
  • Dec 14 – 3rd T20I, Johannesburg
• ODI Series:
  • Dec 17 – 1st ODI, Paarl
  • Dec 19 – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
  • Dec 22 – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
• Test Series:
  • Dec 26-30 – 1st Test, Centurion
  • Jan 3-7 – 2nd Test, Cape Town