Pakistan has announced an expanded 18-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against South Africa, featuring three exciting uncapped players: spin-bowling allrounder Asif Afridi, left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir. The final squad will be trimmed closer to the first Test, scheduled to commence on October 12 in Lahore.
As previously reported, Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test side as captain. A training camp for the squad, excluding players returning from the Asia Cup, is set to begin this evening in Lahore and will run until October 8. Key players currently participating in the Asia Cup, namely Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Salman Agha, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, are expected to join the camp on October 4.
The red-ball head coach, Azhar Mahmood, along with coaches from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), will oversee the camp, ensuring thorough preparations for the crucial series.
New Faces in the Squad:
Asif Afridi
At 38 years old, Asif Afridi brings considerable experience to the squad. The spin-bowling allrounder has an impressive first-class record, having played 57 matches where he has claimed 198 wickets at an average of 25.49.
Faisal Akram
In contrast to Afridi, 22-year-old Faisal Akram represents the younger generation of talent. The left-arm wristspinner made his first-class debut in December 2023 and has quickly made an impact, taking 44 wickets at an average of 30.95 in just nine games. Akram also has international experience, with five wickets from three One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Rohail Nazir
The third debutant, 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir, is a highly-rated talent in Pakistan`s domestic cricket circles. He has already made his T20I debut at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. In his 43 first-class matches since the 2018-19 season, Nazir has averaged 34.45 with the bat.
These three additions are expected to bolster Pakistan`s bowling and batting depth. Afridi and Akram will join established spin options like Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, enhancing the team`s spin department.
The fast-bowling attack will rely on the proven trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Aamir Jamal. The batting lineup boasts an experienced and strong core, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Saud Shakeel, alongside captain Shan Masood.
Pakistan vs. South Africa Series Schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 12-16 | 1st Test | Lahore |
| Oct 20-24 | 2nd Test | Rawalpindi |
| Oct 28 | 1st T20I | Rawalpindi |
| Oct 31 | 2nd T20I | Lahore |
| Nov 1 | 3rd T20I | Lahore |
| Nov 4 | 1st ODI | Faisalabad |
| Nov 6 | 2nd ODI | Faisalabad |
| Nov 8 | 3rd ODI | Faisalabad |
Pakistan Squad for Two-Test Series vs South Africa:
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Asif Afridi
- Babar Azam
- Faisal Akram
- Hasan Ali
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Kamran Ghulam
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Noman Ali
- Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper)
- Sajid Khan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Saud Shakeel
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
