Squad Trimmed to 16 Players as Test Series Nears
Pakistan has reduced its Test squad from 18 to 16 players ahead of the much-anticipated two-match home series against South Africa. Sources confirmed that Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram, the latter being one of the uncapped players, have been released from the squad.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had initially announced the squad on September 30, marking a significant moment as Pakistan prepares to host South Africa for the first time since their 2-0 home series win in 2021. The first Test begins on October 12 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second from October 20 in Rawalpindi.
WTC Campaign Begins; Faisalabad Set for ODI Return
This series is not only historic for bringing back South Africa but also marks the start of Pakistan’s new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. Notably, international cricket returns to Faisalabad for the first time in 17 years, with the ODI leg of the tour scheduled entirely at Iqbal Stadium.
Shan Masood will captain the team, with two other uncapped players — Asif Afridi and Rohail Nazir — still part of the squad. The tour includes three T20Is from October 28 to November 1, followed by three ODIs from November 4 to 8.
Updated 16-member Pakistan Test Squad:
-
Shan Masood (C), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, 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.
