Babar Azam Returns: Pakistan Names ODI And T20I Squads For South Africa Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squads for the South Africa tour. Star batter and former captain Babar Azam has made his return to both the ODI and T20I squads after being rested during the Zimbabwe series.

Pakistan has named a strong lineup for the multi-format series, signaling its intent to dominate the tour. Newly appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan also returns to lead the T20I side after a break during the Zimbabwe series. The star pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah have been included in the squads, although Shaheen's omission from the Test team and Naseem's exclusion from the T20Is raised eyebrows.

"Our goal is to maintain consistency in ODI selections as part of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 while providing emerging talent opportunities in T20Is alongside experienced players," said Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach and PCB selection committee member, in a statement.

"For the Test squad, we've focused on selecting players capable of adapting to challenging conditions and competing at the highest level. The South Africa Test series will be fiercely competitive, but we are confident in our team's ability to achieve a historic series win. Our ODI focus is on building momentum for the Champions Trophy, while the T20Is serve as a platform to blend experience with young talent."

Pakistan Squads for South Africa Tour

ODI Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).

T20I Squad:

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).

Pakistan Men's Tour of South Africa 2024-25 Schedule

• 10 Dec - First T20I, Durban
• 13 Dec - Second T20I, Centurion
• 14 Dec - Third T20I, Johannesburg
• 17 Dec - First ODI, Paarl
• 19 Dec - Second ODI, Cape Town
• 22 Dec - Third ODI, Johannesburg
• 26-30 Dec - First Test, Centurion
• 3-7 Jan - Second Test, Cape Town