Key Players Expected to Return in Pakistan Squad for South Africa Tour

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the final stages of squad selection for the highly anticipated tour of South Africa scheduled from December 10 to January 7, 2025.

This extensive tour will include three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Tests, providing the team with a valuable opportunity to prepare for upcoming international challenges.

Key Players Set for Comeback

According to sources, the ODI squad will see the return of several prominent players, including former captain Babar Azam, who is expected to play a crucial role once again.

The pace attack will also be strengthened with the inclusion of Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi, both of whom are expected to replace the youngsters in the team. In addition, Fakhar Zaman, a key figure in Pakistan’s preparations for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, is likely to feature in the white-ball series after a lengthy absence.

For the Test series, PCB is likely to recall Imam-ul-Haq in the squad for the tour of South Africa. The left-hander topped the scoring charts of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which should help make his case for an international return.

To ensure optimal readiness, plans are in place to organize a training camp in South Africa specifically tailored for the Test squad. This will allow the players to acclimatize and fine-tune their skills ahead of the longer-format matches.

The official announcement of the squads is expected to take place either after the conclusion of the ongoing ODI series against Zimbabwe or following the first T20I match of the Zimbabwe series.

Tour Schedule: