Pakistan has selected its squads for an upcoming tour of South Africa featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Key omissions include Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, with Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan leading Test and white-ball teams, respectively. The objective is to balance immediate objectives with preparation for future competitions, particularly the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
Pakistan has announced its squads for their forthcoming tour of South Africa, which will feature a total of eight matches, comprising three T20 Internationals (T20Is), three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and two Test matches, all part of the ICC World Test Championship. Notably, renowned fast bowler Shaheen Afridi will miss the Test series to prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025. Additionally, Fakhar Zaman was excluded from consideration due to ongoing fitness issues.
The selection committee has also chosen to overlook Sajid Khan, despite his impressive form in recent home matches against England, preferring the inclusion of Mohammad Abbas due to the anticipated fast-bowling conditions in South Africa. Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan Test team, while Mohammad Rizwan has been named captain for the white-ball formats. Key player Babar Azam is featured in all three squads, reflecting his central role in the team.
AQIB JAVED, the interim white-ball head coach and selector, stated, “We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa.” He emphasized the difficult decision to exclude Sajid Khan, noting the pace-friendly environment they will face. Regarding Shaheen Afridi’s absence, he added, “…this exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”
The Test series is expected to be intensely competitive, but the management is optimistic about achieving a historic series victory. The team remains focused on maintaining consistency in ODI selections and blending emerging talent with experienced players in the T20 format.
Pakistan’s Test squad includes Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and several others. The ODI squad features Mohammad Rizwan (captain), along with Babar Azam and Haris Rauf, while the T20I team is also led by Mohammad Rizwan and includes key players Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.
The series is set to commence on December 10 with the first T20I in Durban, followed by subsequent matches and the Test series concluding on January 7.
The announcement of the squad comes as part of a strategic preparation by Pakistan for upcoming international competitions, particularly the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The decision to rest key players like Shaheen Afridi and omit others reflects a long-term vision focused on maintaining player health and enhancing performance capabilities in various conditions. The broader objective of this tour is not only to compete but also to develop a balanced team partly comprising emerging talents.
In summary, Pakistan has strategically crafted its squads for the tour of South Africa, emphasizing both immediate performance and future competitions. While the absence of Shaheen Afridi and the exclusion of players like Fakhar Zaman and Sajid Khan pose challenges, the focus remains on achieving a historic series victory and ensuring a robust foundation for upcoming tournaments. The integration of established players with new talent signifies a thoughtful approach to team development.
Original Source: www.icc-cricket.com
