The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the squad for the national team’s tour of South Africa. The team will play a series of matches from December 10 to January 7, including three T20 Internationals, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and two Test matches.
Tour Schedule Overview
The highly anticipated tour will see Pakistan taking on South Africa across all three formats. The matches are scheduled as follows:
T20 Internationals: Three matches
ODIs: Three matches
Test Matches: Two matches
Key Highlights of the Squad
Debut Opportunity for Sufiyan Muqeem
Young leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem has earned his maiden call-up to the ODI squad, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. This inclusion highlights the PCB’s focus on nurturing fresh talent for the national team.
Fakhar Zaman Omitted
Fakhar Zaman has been overlooked for the South Africa tour, a decision that has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts and analysts. The omission comes as part of the team’s effort to balance the workload and optimize the performance of its players.
Shaheen Afridi Limited to White-Ball Formats
Star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has been included in the white-ball squads only, aligning with the team’s workload management strategy. Interim head coach Aaqib Javed emphasized that the management aims to keep Afridi fresh and ready for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Balanced Squads for Optimal Performance
Interim head coach Aaqib Javed expressed confidence in the selected squads, stating, “We have ensured that all three squads are balanced and capable of delivering top-notch performances. Our aim is to prepare players physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.”
Players Selected for All Three Formats
Several players have been selected across all three formats, showcasing their versatility and importance to the team. These include:
Babar Azam
Mohammad Rizwan
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
Full ODI Squad
The ODI squad for the South Africa tour includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent:
Mohammad Rizwan (Captain, Wicketkeeper)
Abdullah Shafique
Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Haris Rauf
Kamran Ghulam
Mohammad Hasnain
Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Sufiyan Muqeem
Tayyab Tahir
Usman Khan (Wicketkeeper)
Focus on Champions Trophy Preparation
The management’s strategic decisions during this tour aim to prepare the team for long-term success. Ensuring the players’ physical and mental well-being remains a priority, as highlighted by Afridi’s selective inclusion in the white-ball formats.
What to Expect
With a carefully curated squad and a mix of experienced stars and emerging talent, Pakistan’s cricket fans have high hopes for the upcoming series. The tour promises exciting matches and an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on an international platform.
