The Pakistan men’s selection committee has unveiled the squads for the highly anticipated South Africa tour, scheduled from December 10, 2024, to January 7, 2025. The tour features three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches.
Key Players and Strategic Inclusions
Babar Azam, a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket, has been named in all three squads alongside Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, and Salman Ali Agha. Shaheen Shah Afridi, focusing on workload management to stay in peak form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, will feature in the white-ball matches but not in the Tests.
A notable addition to the Pakistan Test squad is Mohammad Abbas, who returns after a stellar performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 31 wickets in five matches. Naseem Shah, another key pacer, makes his comeback after missing the last two Tests against England. Emerging talent Khurram Shahzad, who impressed with 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka ‘A’, has also been included.
On the spin front, the selectors opted for Noman Ali, given South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions. Despite Sajid Khan’s impressive 19 wickets against England, he missed out due to strategic considerations.
The ODI squad sees the debut of Sufyan Moqim, a left-arm wrist spinner who has shown promise in T20Is.
Selection Philosophy
Aqib Javed, member of the selection committee and interim white-ball head coach, emphasized a “horses for courses” approach, ensuring the Pakistan squads are tailored for South Africa’s conditions. “Leaving out Sajid Khan was tough, but we prioritized seam-bowling strength for the Tests. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is strategic to ensure his readiness for the Champions Trophy,” Javed explained.
The selectors aim to maintain consistency in ODIs to build momentum for the Champions Trophy while blending experience with emerging talent in the T20Is.
Tour Schedule
• T20Is:
o 10 Dec – First T20I, Durban
o 13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion
o 14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg
• ODIs:
o 17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl
o 19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town
o 22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg
• Tests:
o 26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion
o 3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town
This tour offers Pakistan a chance to test their depth and adaptability against a strong South African side, with hopes of achieving historic success across all formats.