The ICC Champions Trophy preparations for the next year are taken into consideration while choosing the squad.
The squad for Pakistan’s forthcoming eight-match tour of South Africa have been announced. The tour will take place over the course of the following month. As part of the ICC World Test Championship, the series consists of two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is.
With ace fast bowler Shaheen Afridi excluded from the Test series to concentrate on 50-over cricket for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the side was chosen with the ICC Champions Trophy preparations in mind. Due to persistent fitness concerns, opener Fakhar Zaman, another important player, was not taken into consideration.
Sajid Khan’s exclusion from the Test squad is particularly noteworthy, given his impressive achievements against England. Mohammad Abbas, a seamer, was chosen instead because his abilities are more appropriate for the fast-paced environment that South Africa is known for.
Pakistan’s Test series captain will be Shan Masood, while Mohammad Rizwan will captain the white-ball games. Along with other important players, Babar Azam is part of every format
“We have adopted a horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” stated Aqib Javed, the white-ball team’s selection and acting head coach.
“Despite Sajid Khan’s outstanding efforts against England, it was a really challenging and painful decision to leave him out. But because of the pace-friendly circumstances in Cape Town and Centurion, we decided to go with Mohammad Abbas instead, who is a superb example of seam bowling,” he continued.
“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s absence from the Test team is a calculated move to keep him fit and prepared for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The Selector further stated that Fakhar Zaman was not taken into consideration because he has not yet recovered his form and match fitness.
As we prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, we want to keep our ODI choices consistent while simultaneously providing young players with opportunities to play with seasoned players in T20Is. We have concentrated on putting together a team that can adjust to difficult circumstances and continuously perform at the top level during Test matches.” Aqib continued.
“We are optimistic in our team’s capacity to secure a historic series win, even if the Test series against South Africa will be quite close. While the T20I series offers a platform, our goal in the ODIs is to keep gaining ground before the Champions Trophy.
