Here’s Pakistan’s 18-Man Squad for South Africa Test Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, which will officially kick off the team’s new ICC World Test Championship cycle (2025–27).

The Test series marks the beginning of an all-format tour and will commence on October 12 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second Test in Rawalpindi starting October 20.

As expected, Shan Masood will continue to lead the side, with selectors opting for a blend of experience and fresh talent. The PCB has also handed maiden call-ups to left-arm spinners Asif Afridi and Faisal Akram, along with wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir. The squad will be trimmed to the final playing XI ahead of the first Test.

Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan headline the experienced core, while in-form middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha retain their places. Pakistan’s spin department looks well-stocked with Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali joining the two newcomers.

Kashif Ali, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Huraira—who were part of Pakistan’s squad for the series against West Indies earlier this year—have not been included.

Pakistan Squad for South Africa Test Series:

The squad will assemble for a training camp under red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and the National Cricket Academy staff. Players returning from Asia Cup duties are expected to join on October 4.

South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship winners, are touring Pakistan for the first time since lifting the 2023–25 title. The series promises to be a stern challenge for Pakistan, who will be eager to begin the new cycle strongly on home soil.

Following the two Tests, the teams will contest a white-ball leg comprising three T20Is and three ODIs from October 28 to November 8. PCB will announce squads for those formats in due course.