The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 18-member Test squad for the upcoming home series against South Africa. Shan Masood will continue to lead the team.
The squad introduces three new players: left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, young spinner Faisal Akram, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir. Their inclusion highlights PCB’s focus on grooming new talent alongside established performers.
The national training camp will take place in Lahore from September 30 to October 8. Players currently competing in the Asia Cup are expected to join the Test squad on October 4.
Pakistan will face South Africa in two Test matches. The first will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from October 12 to 16. The second Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24.
Several star players have also been named. Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi will feature in the Test squad. Abdullah Shafiq, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, and Saud Shakeel add strength to the batting lineup. All-rounder Aamir Jamal, pacer Hassan Ali, and Khurram Shahzad have also been selected.
In the spin department, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kamran Ghulam, and Abrar Ahmed will provide key options in home conditions. The addition of Asif Afridi and Faisal Akram brings further variety to Pakistan’s spin attack.
Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir’s call-up adds depth to the squad’s bench strength, particularly in the middle order. Officials noted that his inclusion reflects the team management’s focus on building for the future.
With a blend of experience and fresh faces, the squad looks balanced ahead of the important home series. Fans will be eager to see how the new players perform when given an opportunity at the highest level.
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