Pakistan has confirmed an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa which begins on 12 October as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Captain Shan Masood will continue to lead the side. The selectors have also made room for fresh talent, with Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir receiving maiden Test call-ups. Alongside these youngsters, experienced names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan Ali bring balance and depth to the squad. The final playing XI will be finalized before the first Test in Lahore.
The complete squad includes: 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 (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The two-Test series will open at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 12–16 October, followed by the second match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20–24 October. South Africa, winners of the previous ICC World Test Championship are expected to be tough opponents making the contest a major challenge for Pakistan’s blend of seniors and newcomers.
To prepare, the players will train in a red-ball camp under Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches. Members who featured in the recent Asia Cup will join the camp on 4 October.
After the Tests, Pakistan and South Africa will play three T20Is and three ODIs between 28 October and 8 November with white-ball squads to be named later.
