Pakistan Cricket Team Reveals Squads For Upcoming South Africa Tour Featuring Babar Azam And New Talent

The Pakistan men's cricket team has unveiled its squads for the South Africa tour, set from 10 December 2024 to 7 January 2025. This tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches. Babar Azam's return in all formats underscores his key role in the team's strategy.

Mohammad Abbas is back in the Test squad, bringing his seam-bowling skills to South Africa's pace-friendly pitches. His last international Test appearance was in August 2021 in Jamaica. Since then, he has excelled domestically, taking 31 wickets in five Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will sit out the Tests to manage his workload before major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, he will participate in the white-ball formats after missing two Tests against England. This decision aligns with a broader plan to maintain his peak fitness.

Naseem Shah is included in both the Test and ODI squads after missing two Tests against England. Recently, he took four wickets for Lahore Whites against Peshawar. Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza join him to form a strong pace attack for the Test series.

Sufyan Moqim receives his first ODI call-up as a left-arm wrist spinner. He has already made an impact in T20Is with eight wickets in two matches, including an impressive five for three runs. Despite this success, off-spinner Sajid Khan wasn't selected due to South African conditions.

Noman Ali is chosen as the sole specialist spinner for his consistent performance, including taking 20 wickets against England. Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are not part of any squad due to form and fitness issues.

Pace Battery Led by Naseem Shah

Aqib Javed, interim white-ball head coach and selection committee member, emphasised a "horses for courses" approach. He stated that Shaheen Afridi's absence from Tests is precautionary for readiness at the Champions Trophy. Mohammad Abbas' inclusion highlights a focus on seam bowling suited for South African conditions.

The T20I team departs on 6 December after their last match against Zimbabwe, while ODI and Test players leave on 13 December. Jason Gillespie, red-ball head coach, will lead the pre-Test series camp in Johannesburg.

Squad Details and Tour Schedule

Tests: 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 and Salman Ali Agha

ODIs: 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 and Usman Khan (wk)

T20Is: 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 and Usman Khan (wk)

• 10 Dec: First T20I in Durban
• 13 Dec: Second T20I in Centurion
• 14 Dec: Third T20I in Johannesburg
• 17 Dec: First ODI in Paarl
• 19 Dec: Second ODI in Cape Town
• 22 Dec: Third ODI in Johannesburg
• 26-30 Dec: First Test in Centurion
• 3-7 Jan: Second Test in Cape Town

This tour promises engaging cricket action with strategic player selections tailored for South African conditions. The inclusion of experienced players alongside new talent aims to strengthen Pakistan's performance across all formats during this challenging series.