18-Member Squad Announced for South Africa Test Series: Pakistan’s Bold Move
Lahore, 30 September 2025 — The Pakistan Cricket Board’s National Selection Committee has announced a squad of 18 players for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, which is an important part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (12–16 October), followed by the second in Rawalpindi (20–24 October)
Team
Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicket-keeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi
🏏 Leadership & New Faces
In the longer format, Shan Masood will continue to lead the team. The squad features three uncapped players — Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir — giving fresh talent an opportunity to shine on the big stage.
The selection committee is clearly trying to find a balance between youth and experience by including these newcomers, as well as expanding Pakistan’s batting and bowling options. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two seasoned players who have been called up, will likely take on significant roles. Context and Format of the Series Before the Tests, the players will gather for a pre-series camp under the direction of red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches, with training continuing until October 8. Following the Test series, Pakistan will host three Twenty20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals between October 28 and November 8. On October 4, participants in the most recent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup will join the camp.
Key Players & Tactical Focus
Shan Masood (Captain): Tasked with leading by example, especially in home conditions where pressure is high.
Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, Rohail Nazir: These newcomers bring promise and dynamism — their performance in this series will be under the microscope.
Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan: Their comeback adds strength to both top and middle order; in particular, Rizwan’s role as wicketkeeper-batter is pivotal.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: The pace spearhead returns, expected to make use of seam and bounce early in the series.
Department of Spin: Pakistan will need to rely on spin, particularly in the middle overs, where the pitch conditions might help turn. Challenges & Expectations
South Africa, as the champions of the 2023-25 WTC cycle, arrive with a formidable record, and will pose a tough challenge.For Pakistan, it is essential to get early breakthroughs, manage red-ball strategies well, and also not let pressure of expectations weigh down the team.
The toss, pitch behavior, and handling of innings under different conditions will likely be deciding factors. The team that responds to match situations more quickly will probably win. Pakistan’s decision to blend experience with fresh talent reflects confidence and ambition. With the home advantage, the team will aim for a strong start to their World Test Championship campaign. If the newcomer picks perform and senior players deliver, Pakistan could confidently challenge the might of South Africa in their own backyard.