The Pakistan men’s selection committee has revealed the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, which is set to take place from December 10 to January 7. The tour will feature a mix of three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.
Key Players Named In All Squads
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, along with Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha, have been named in all three squads for the South Africa tour. Notably, fast bowler Naseem Shah has been selected for both the Tests and ODIs.
🚨 Pakistan squads announced for South Africa tour 🚨
🗓️ 3️⃣ T20Is, 3️⃣ ODIs and 2️⃣ Tests from 10 December to 7 January 🏏
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/7wp7q1U7Yb#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/3PYbvFfSpz---Advertisement---— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 4, 2024
Shaheen Shah Afridi Returns For White-Ball Matches
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who missed Pakistan’s last two Tests against England due to injury management, has been included in the white-ball squads. This is part of his workload management strategy to ensure he is in peak fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammad Abbas Makes Test Return
A significant return for Pakistan’s Test squad is fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who hasn’t played since the Jamaica Test in August 2021. Abbas, who has claimed 90 wickets in 25 Tests, had a stellar performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, taking 31 wickets in five matches. Abbas will join Naseem Shah in Pakistan’s four-man pace attack for the South Africa Tests.
Khurram Shahzad And Mir Hamza Complete The Pace Attack
In addition to Abbas and Naseem Shah, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been named in the Test squad. He impressed the selectors with 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka ‘A’ last month. Mir Hamza is the fourth fast bowler in the 15-man Test squad and is currently playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
No Spot For Sajid Khan Despite Strong England Performance
Off-spinner Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets against England, has missed out on selection for the South Africa tour. The selectors, taking into account the conditions in Centurion and Newlands, as well as the strength of the South African team, have opted for a single specialist spinner in Noman Ali. Ali has had an impressive run with 20 wickets against England and 67 wickets in 17 Tests.
Sufyan Moqim Earns ODI Call-Up
One of the exciting inclusions is left-arm wrist spinner Sufyan Moqim, who has earned his first call-up to Pakistan’s ODI squad. Moqim, who has taken eight wickets in two T20Is, including a remarkable five-wicket haul for just three runs in the second T20I, will add depth to Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Departure Dates For The Pakistan Squad
The T20I squad will leave for South Africa on Friday, December 6, following the third T20I against Zimbabwe on Thursday. Meanwhile, the ODI and Test squads will depart for Johannesburg on December 13. Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, Jason Gillespie, will also join the team in Johannesburg on December 13 to supervise the pre-Test series camp.
Pakistan Squads For South Africa Tour
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)
This announcement sets the stage for an exciting and competitive tour for Pakistan in South Africa, with key players returning and fresh faces looking to make an impact.
