Pakistan Announces 18-Man Squad for South Africa Test Series

PCB Unveils Squad for South Africa Test Series

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The much-anticipated red-ball series is set to kick off on October 12, 2025, with the first Test scheduled at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

An official PCB statement released on Tuesday confirmed that Shan Masood will continue as captain. The selection committee also introduced three uncapped players — Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir — marking an effort to blend experience with new talent. The board noted that the squad will be trimmed before the opening Test match.

South Africa Tour of Pakistan: A High-Stakes Series

The series will be closely watched, not only because South Africa enters as the reigning champions of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, but also because Pakistan is eager to bounce back from its disastrous loss in the Asia Cup final against India.

The PCB confirmed that players for the pre-series training camp will work under red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood along with coaches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) until October 8.

Meanwhile, those who featured in the recently concluded ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 will join the Test squad starting October 4. The PCB emphasized that fitness, form, and adaptability to red-ball cricket will be key considerations in finalizing the playing XI.

South Africa Tour Schedule – October to November 2025

Test Series:

• 12–16 October: First Test – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 20–24 October: Second Test – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

T20I Series:

• 28 October: First T20I – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

• 31 October: Second T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• 1 November: Third T20I – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

ODI Series:

• 4 November: First ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

• 6 November: Second ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

• 8 November: Third ODI – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

The white-ball squads for the T20I and ODI series will be announced separately in the coming weeks.

Pakistan’s Motivation After Asia Cup Setback

The squad announcement comes in the aftermath of Pakistan’s Asia Cup final defeat to India, which left both fans and analysts questioning team strategy and temperament in high-pressure encounters.

By naming a squad that mixes proven performers with new blood, the PCB aims to reset momentum and restore confidence ahead of a challenging Test assignment. Officials said the squad reflects a desire to look beyond immediate results and prepare a pool of players for the full World Test Championship cycle.

South Africa: A Formidable Opponent

South Africa’s red-ball credentials are formidable, with the team having lifted the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship. Known for their fast-bowling depth and aggressive batting approach, the Proteas are expected to pose a stern challenge to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Playing at home could offer Pakistan a slight advantage, with spin-friendly conditions likely to favor the hosts. The inclusion of spinners like Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and Asif Afridi suggests that Pakistan may rely heavily on its spin resources.

What This Series Means for Pakistan Cricket

Cricket experts argue that the Pakistan vs South Africa Test series could set the tone for the country’s World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign.

• For players: It’s a chance for youngsters like Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir to stake their claim at the highest level.

• For the captain: Shan Masood will be under scrutiny to prove his leadership credentials in red-ball cricket.

• For the PCB: A competitive showing could help repair fan morale after the Asia Cup heartbreak.

The 18-man Pakistan squad for the South Africa Test series 2025 reflects the PCB’s balanced approach — blending experienced campaigners with rising talent. With Shan Masood at the helm, Babar Azam’s batting expertise, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace threat, and the introduction of promising newcomers, the team enters the series with renewed determination.