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Shaheen Dropped From Tests, Babar Azam Returns; Pakistan Reveal Squads For SA Tour

Debashis Sarangi

Shaheen Afridi has been excluded from Tests [Source: @grassrootscric/X]Shaheen Afridi has been excluded from Tests [Source: @grassrootscric/X]

In a significant development, Pakistan Cricket Board has announced three separate squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa. As expected, Shan Masood continues to lead the Test side, which is a mix of experience and youth. 

Shaheen Afridi Excluded From Pakistan's Test Squad

Ace speedster Shaheen Afridi's exclusion is a major highlight of Pakistan's squad for the South Africa tour. The veteran pacer was sidelined from the format following his prolonged rough patch in home Tests. However, the PCB has stated that he has been excluded to manage his workload ahead of the Champions Trophy. 

In his absence, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Aamir Jamal and Naseem Shah will spearhead Pakistan's seam bowling department. The Test squad features familiar names, with skipper Masood expected to play a crucial role along with Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Kamran Ghulam. Haseebullah Khan has also been included as the reserve wicketkeeper, with Mohammad Rizwan playing as the first-choice keeper. 


Pakistan Announce Strong Squads For South Africa ODIs and T20Is

On the other hand, Pakistan have revealed robust squads for South Africa ODIs and T20Is. The squads feature familiar names those recently participated in the white-ball series against Australia and Zimbabwe. 

Talismanic batter Babar Azam has retained his place in both teams, while Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed as the captain. Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah form Pakistan's ODI core, with Naseem missing out on T20I selection. 

Swashbuckling keeper batter Usman Khan has been included in both ODI and T20I teams along with Mohammad Hasnain, Tayyab Tahir, Agha Salman, Sufyan Muqeem and Mohammad Irfan Khan.