The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, scheduled from December 10, 2024, to January 7, 2025. This comprehensive tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches, offering Pakistan a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Key Squad Highlights
Test Squad
- Mohammad Abbas Returns: After a stellar domestic season, Mohammad Abbas makes a comeback to the Test side, bolstering the pace attack alongside Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad.
- Shaheen Afridi Rested: The pace spearhead has been rested for the Test series to manage his workload and ensure peak fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Innovative Digit
T20I and ODI Squads
- Sufyan Moqim’s Rise: The left-arm wrist spinner, who impressed with record-breaking figures in the T20I series against Zimbabwe, earns a spot in the ODI squad.
- Babar Azam’s Return: After missing the final two Tests against England, Babar Azam is back, featuring in all three formats to strengthen Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Selectors’ Strategy
The PCB’s selection policy emphasizes a “horses-for-courses” approach:
- Tests: A pace-heavy squad to adapt to South Africa’s seam-friendly conditions.
- Limited-Overs Formats: A balanced mix of experience and emerging talent aimed at building momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s Tour Schedule
T20Is:
- 10 December – First T20I, Durban
- 13 December – Second T20I, Centurion
- 14 December – Third T20I, Johannesburg
ODIs:
- 17 December – First ODI, Paarl
- 19 December – Second ODI, Cape Town
- 22 December – Third ODI, Johannesburg
Test Matches:
- 26-30 December – First Test, Centurion
- 3-7 January – Second Test, Cape Town
Test Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Shan Masood (Captain) | Top-order Batsman |
| Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain) | Middle-order Batsman |
| Aamir Jamal | All-rounder |
| Abdullah Shafique | Top-order Batsman |
| Babar Azam | Top-order Batsman |
| Haseebullah (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Kamran Ghulam | Middle-order Batsman |
| Khurram Shahzad | Fast Bowler |
| Mir Hamza | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Abbas | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Rizwan (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler |
| Noman Ali | Left-arm Spinner |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| Salman Ali Agha | All-rounder |
ODI Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Abdullah Shafique | Top-order Batsman |
| Abrar Ahmed | Leg-spinner |
| Babar Azam | Top-order Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Kamran Ghulam | Middle-order Batsman |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Fast Bowler |
| Muhammad Irfan Khan | All-rounder |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| Salman Ali Agha | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Sufyan Moqim | Left-arm Wrist Spinner |
| Tayyab Tahir | Middle-order Batsman |
| Usman Khan (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
T20I Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
| Abrar Ahmed | Leg-spinner |
| Babar Azam | Top-order Batsman |
| Haris Rauf | Fast Bowler |
| Jahandad Khan | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Abbas Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Fast Bowler |
| Muhammad Irfan Khan | All-rounder |
| Omair Bin Yousuf | Middle-order Batsman |
| Saim Ayub | All-rounder |
| Salman Ali Agha | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Sufyan Moqim | Left-arm Wrist Spinner |
| Tayyab Tahir | Middle-order Batsman |
| Usman Khan (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batsman |
Challenges Ahead
Pakistan faces formidable opposition in South Africa, known for its fast and bouncy pitches. The absence of key players like Shaheen Afridi in the Test series and the exclusion of off-spinner Sajid Khan due to conditions will test the squad’s depth and adaptability.
Head Coach Jason Gillespie will lead the team’s preparations, ensuring the players are ready for the challenges ahead.
With a balanced squad and a clear strategy, Pakistan aims to return from South Africa with confidence and momentum for their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
