Cricket South Africa on Monday announced the squads for the much-anticipated tour of Pakistan, with the biggest highlight being wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock’s return to international cricket.
De Kock, who retired from ODIs after the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup and last featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, has decided to make a comeback for the upcoming white-ball series. His inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads is seen as a significant boost for South Africa, with head coach Shukri Conrad emphasizing the quality and experience De Kock brings to the side.
Test captain Temba Bavuma, fresh off leading his side to victory in the World Test Championship, has been ruled out of the Pakistan tour due to a calf strain.
In his absence, Aiden Markram will captain the Test team for the two-match series beginning on October 12 in Lahore. Meanwhile, Matthew Breetzke has been handed the ODI captaincy, while David Miller will lead the side in T20Is, showcasing South Africa’s strategy of broadening leadership roles across formats.
The selectors have also placed faith in spin for the subcontinental conditions, naming four spinners for the tour. However, Keshav Maharaj will only be available from the second Test due to a groin injury.
Simon Harmer has earned a recall, while Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayan will strengthen the spin options. Conrad acknowledged the disappointment of losing Bavuma but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to perform well.
The tour is a comprehensive one, with South Africa scheduled to play across all three formats. It begins with two Tests—first in Lahore and then in Rawalpindi—before moving into three T20Is from October 28 to November 1.
The action will conclude with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8. This series will also mark the beginning of Pakistan’s new ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
South Africa’s return to Pakistan promises exciting contests, with both teams eyeing early momentum in the new cricketing cycle. For South Africa, De Kock’s comeback and a fresh leadership structure add further intrigue to what is expected to be a fiercely competitive tour.
