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Shaheen Afridi rested for Tests as Pakistan name squads for South Africa series
Pakistan have named their squads for the upcoming multi-format series against South Africa, with Shaheen Afridi being dropped out of the Test side in order to keep him physically fit for the upcoming Champions Trophy. The all-format series, which will include three ODIs, three T20Is and Two Tests, will begin on December 10 with the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban.
The two Tests will be part of the World Test Championship. Babar Azam has been named in all the squads while Fakhar Zaman finds no place in any squad. Pacer Naseem Shah has been selected in the Test and ODI squads. Interestingly, Sajid Khan has been left out of the Test squad despite performing brilliantly against England in the home Test series. Noman Ali has been added to the Test side.
“We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa," Pakistan’s interim white-ball head coach Aqib Javed said in a statement.
“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision. However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling."
“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness."
“Our aim is to maintain consistency in ODI selections as part of our ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations, while also giving emerging talent opportunities in T20Is alongside experienced players. For Tests, we have focused on assembling a squad that can adapt to challenging conditions and consistently compete at the highest level."
“The Test series against South Africa will be highly competitive, but we are confident in our team’s ability to secure a historic series win. Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”
Pakistan Test squad: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), 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, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c&wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk)
Pakistan T20I squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c&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 Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir Usman Khan (wk)
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