Pakistan Announces T20I, ODI and Test Squads for South Africa Tour 2024-2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squads for the highly anticipated South Africa tour, scheduled from December 10, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The tour will consist of three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Pakistan’s top players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha, have been named in the squads, with some key players returning after a brief hiatus.
Squad Highlights:
- Naseem Shah returns for the ODIs and Tests.
- Fakhar Zaman has been excluded due to fitness and form concerns.
- Sajid Khan, despite his strong performances in the England series, has been left out in favor of a pace-heavy attack.
- Mohammad Abbas makes a comeback to Test cricket after a three-year hiatus, bringing in is experience and skills.
Test Squad:
The Test squad sees some notable inclusions. Mohammad Abbas, who last represented Pakistan in Test cricket in August 2021, has been called up, while Noman Ali will be the only specialist spinner, following his impressive 20-wicket haul in England. The decision to select only one spinner aligns with the pace-friendly conditions expected in South Africa.
| Shan Masood (C) |
|---|
| Saud Shakeel |
| 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 |
ODI Squad:
The ODI squad features a balance of experienced players and emerging talents. Mohammad Rizwan will continue to lead the team in this format. Fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah will be crucial for Pakistan’s pace attack. Muhammad Irfan Khan, an up-and-coming player, has earned a spot in the 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 Shah Afridi |
| Sufyan Moqim |
| Tayyab Tahir |
| Usman Khan (WK) |
T20I Squad:
The T20I squad includes players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub, who will bring explosive performances to the shorter format. Mohammad Rizwan continues as captain, with key players like Babar Azam and Haris Rauf included.
| 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 Shah Afridi |
| Sufyan Moqim |
| Tayyab Tahir |
| Usman Khan (WK) |
Tour Schedule
The Pakistan team will begin their South Africa tour with three T20 matches followed by three ODIs and two Test matches.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Dec 2024 | 1st T20I | Durban |
| 13 Dec 2024 | 2nd T20I | Centurion |
| 14 Dec 2024 | 3rd T20I | Johannesburg |
| 17 Dec 2024 | 1st ODI | Paarl |
| 19 Dec 2024 | 2nd ODI | Cape Town |
| 22 Dec 2024 | 3rd ODI | Johannesburg |
| 26-30 Dec 2024 | 1st Test | Centurion |
| 3-7 Jan 2025 | 2nd Test | Cape Town |
This tour is crucial for Pakistan as they build up to the ICC Champions Trophy, with a focus on strategic workload management for their key players.
