Pakistan Announce Squads for South Africa Tour: Babar Azam Returns, Shaheen Afridi Rested for Tests

Lahore, Dec 4: The Pakistan men's cricket team selection committee has announced the squads for their upcoming tour of South Africa, scheduled from December 10, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The tour features three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.

Babar Azam's return across all formats highlights his pivotal role in Pakistan's strategy. Mohammad Abbas makes a comeback to the Test squad, bringing his seam-bowling expertise to South Africa's pace-friendly pitches.

Pakistan Announce Squads for South Africa Tour Babar Azam Returns Shaheen Afridi Rested for Tests Sufyan Moqim gets Maiden ODI Call-up

Babar Azam, Mohammad Abbas Make a Return

Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi will be rested for the Tests to manage his workload ahead of key future tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Alongside Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha have also secured their places across all three squads, showcasing the selectors' faith in their abilities.

Mohammad Abbas, noted for his return to the Test team, last featured in an international Test in August 2021 in Jamaica. Since then, his remarkable performance in the domestic circuit, including taking 31 wickets in five matches during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, underscored his readiness for a comeback.

Naseem Shah to lead Pakistan pace battery in Tests

In the pace department, Naseem Shah has been chosen for both the Test and ODI squads after missing out on the last two Test matches against England. In his recent domestic performance, the 21-year-old Shah picked up four wickets in a match for Lahore Whites against Peshawar.

Khurram Shahzad, who impressed selectors with 15 wickets in a series against Sri Lanka 'A', and Mir Hamza, currently playing in Abbottabad, will form a formidable pace attack for the Test series along with Shah.

Sufyan Moqim gets maiden ODI call up

The Pakistan selection panel has also introduced new talent for the white-ball formats, with Sufyan Moqim making his maiden ODI call-up. Moqim, a left-arm wrist spinner, has already proven his mettle in T20Is, taking eight wickets in just two matches, including a remarkable five for three runs in one game.

Despite his recent success, off-spinner Sajid Khan was not selected, a decision influenced by the playing conditions in South Africa and the specific challenges posed by the opposition. Instead, Noman Ali, with 67 wickets in 17 Tests, has been chosen as the sole specialist spinner for his consistent performance, including taking 20 wickets in the series against England.

Shaheen Shah Afridi's selection for the white-ball matches after missing the last two Tests against England marks a strategic move. It's part of a broader workload management plan to ensure his peak fitness and performance for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Balancing Workload and Strategy

Commenting on the selections, Aqib Javed, interim white-ball head coach and selection committee member, emphasised a "horses for courses" approach. He highlighted that Shaheen Afridi's absence from the Test squad is a precautionary measure to ensure his readiness for the Champions Trophy. Mohammad Abbas' inclusion, tailored for South African conditions, showcases a strategic emphasis on seam bowling.

The squads are scheduled for an upcoming series in South Africa, with the T20I team set to depart on 6 December, following their last match against Zimbabwe. The players for the ODI and Test formats will leave a week later, on 13 December.

Jason Gillespie, Pakistan men's red-ball head coach, will join the team in Johannesburg to lead the pre-Test series camp, setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging series.

Pakistan Tour of SA: Key Inclusions and Exclusions

Babar Azam: Named in all three squads, reaffirming his central role.
Mohammad Abbas: Returns to the Test side after impressive domestic performances.
Naseem Shah: Included in both ODIs and Tests but will miss the T20Is.
Shaheen Afridi: Selected only for the white-ball formats to manage fitness.
Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq: Not included in any squad due to form and fitness issues.
Sufyan Moqim: Earns his maiden ODI call-up after standout performances in T20Is.

PAK Squad Details for SA 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)