The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the national squad on Wednesday for their highly anticipated tour of South Africa, scheduled from December 10, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The tour will feature three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches, serving as a crucial preparation phase ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Babar Azam named across all three formats. He is joined by key players Muhammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha, ensuring consistency in the core team structure.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah, making his much-awaited return, has been named in both the ODI and Test squads. Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed the last two Tests against England, is set to bolster the white-ball formats.
Fakhar Zaman, who has been a regular feature in Pakistan’s limited-overs setup, has been sidelined due to concerns over form and fitness. In the spin department, despite his commendable performance against England, Sajid Khan has not been included.
Chief selector Aqib Javed explained that the focus for South Africa is on pacers, with only one specialist spinner, Nauman Ali, making the cut. Nauman’s exceptional haul of 20 wickets in the England series solidified his place in the squad.
A significant highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Muhammad Abbas in the Test squad. Abbas, a master of seam bowling, is set to don the whites for Pakistan for the first time since August 2021.
Chief selector Aqib Javed emphasized the importance of a well-rounded squad for the South Africa tour. “We have ensured that all three squads are balanced and capable of performing in challenging conditions,” he said.
