The PCB has announced the squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa, including three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, with Shan Masood continuing as Test captain. Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan have been excluded from the Test lineup, focusing on strategic readiness for future tournaments. Babar Azam and Naseem Shah return, while Fakhar Zaman is left out of the ODI squad due to fitness issues.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled its 15-member squads for the imminent tour of South Africa, which will include three T20 International matches, three One Day Internationals, and two Test matches. Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test squad following his successful comeback series against England. The teams have seen notable inclusions and exclusions, with key players such as Babar Azam and Naseem Shah returning, while Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan have been omitted from the Test team. The PCB is particularly focusing on the players’ fitness and strategic readiness for future tournaments such as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Fakhar Zaman has been left out of the ODI squad due to concerns regarding his fitness and performance form, while young spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem will participate during the South Africa tour. Noman Ali is set to be the only specialist spinner for the Test matches, a significant change considering the prior reliance on Sajid Khan, who excelled in the previous series against England. Head coach Aaqib Javed emphasized that the decision to exclude leading players was meticulously considered, aimed at maintaining a balanced squad for the challenging conditions anticipated in South Africa.
In the Test squad, Shan Masood captains alongside vice-captain Saud Shakeel and a blend of experienced and emerging talents such as Aamir Jamal, Abdulah Shafique, and Mohammad Rizwan as the wicketkeeper. The T20I and ODI squads also feature key players like Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain, ready to face South African counterparts in varied formats.
The PCB’s focus on strategic selection reflects a long-term vision for squad development, ensuring players are keenly prepared for future international challenges.
The Pakistan national cricket team is preparing for a vital tour of South Africa, where it will compete in a series comprising three T20s, three ODIs, and two Tests. The PCB announced its squad to focus on player fitness, performance, and optimal strategic positioning ahead of upcoming tournaments. Recent matches against England have influenced selections, and the PCB aims to blend experienced players with promising newcomers for competitive team dynamics.
The Pakistan squad’s selections for the tour of South Africa reveal a strategic approach by the PCB, prioritizing player readiness and condition. The exclusions of notable players like Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan highlight a focus on balancing performance and future challenges, particularly with the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents suggests a commitment to developing a robust team capable of competing at high levels.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
