Three players -- Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah -- were dropped after Pakistan's loss in first Test against England at home in Multan. Wholesale changes were made to the Test squad and it worked as Pakistan not only ended their drought of wins in red-ball cricket but won the series as well. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) named the Test squad for South Africa tour and recalled Babar and Naseem. Member of selection committee and interim white-ball coach, Aqib Javed explained Afridi was not included in the 15-member Test squad keeping Champions Trophy 2025 in mind.
"Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025," Javed said in the press release.
“Our aim is to maintain consistency in ODI selections as part of our ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations, while also giving emerging talent opportunities in T20Is alongside experienced players. For Tests, we have focused on assembling a squad that can adapt to challenging conditions and consistently compete at the highest level.
“The Test series against South Africa will be highly competitive, but we are confident in our team’s ability to secure a historic series win. Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”
Afridi and Abbas' Test numbers in South Africa
Afridi has played two Tests on South African soil and bagged nine wickets at an average of 26.66 including a four-wicket haul. The bouncy pitches of South Africa would've suited the left-arm pacer.
In Afridi's absence, Mohammad Abbas has been recalled on the back of performances in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Abbas last played a Test in 2021. In 2019, he played two Tests in South Africa and managed to take five wickets at an average of 46.20.
Pakistan Test squad vs South Africa
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha
