Pakistan names 18-member Test squad for South Africa series; Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan return, Shan Masood to lead, 3 uncapped players included.

 The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, which marks the beginning of their World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. The highly anticipated series will be held at home, with matches scheduled in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan Return to Test Squad

The big headline is the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom were absent from the recently concluded Asia Cup 2025, where Pakistan suffered three consecutive losses to India. While the star duo has been kept out of the T20I setup, they remain crucial for Pakistan in red-ball cricket.

Shan Masood to Lead the Side

Shan Masood continues as the Test captain, having impressed the selectors with his leadership qualities. The squad sees a blend of experience and fresh talent, aimed at solidifying Pakistan’s home dominance.

Uncapped Talents Get a Breakthrough

Selectors have shown faith in domestic performers, handing Test call-ups to three uncapped players:

• Asif Afridi

• Faisal Akram

• Rohail Nazir (Wicketkeeper)

These players earned their spots after impressive performances in the Pakistan domestic circuit, signaling PCB’s intent to build a strong bench.

Spin Attack Could Challenge South Africa

Given the subcontinent conditions, Pakistan has loaded its squad with spin options, likely to pose a major challenge to the visiting South African side. The spin trio includes:

• Sajid Khan

• Noman Ali

• Abrar Ahmed

All three have previously delivered impactful performances in home conditions and are expected to play a key role in the series.

Full Pakistan Test Squad vs South Africa:

Shan Masood (C), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (WK), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

also read:- Asia Cup 2025 Final Hero Tilak Varma Echoes Surya’s Words: “Pakistan is No Match for Us” | Full Statement 

Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Full Schedule:

Test Series:

• 12–16 October – 1st Test, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 20–24 October – 2nd Test, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

T20I Series:

• 28 October – 1st T20I, Rawalpindi

• 31 October – 2nd T20I, Lahore

• 1 November – 3rd T20I, Lahore

ODI Series (Faisalabad makes international return):

• 4 November – 1st ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

• 6 November – 2nd ODI, Iqbal Stadium

• 8 November – 3rd ODI, Iqbal Stadium

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