Two Players Axed as PCB Names Final Test Squad for South Africa Series

ٰISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly finalised the squad that will take on South Africa in the upcoming two-match Test series at home. According to local media reports, the initial 18-member squad announced on September 30 has been trimmed to 16 players eligible for selection in the playing XI.

The two players to miss out are all-rounder Aamer Jamal and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram. Aamer was in contention to make his Test return, while Faisal had earned his maiden national call-up. However, both have been deemed surplus to the squad requirements for the South Africa test series by the PCB. They will now be available to represent their respective domestic sides in the 68th Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Aamer Jamal for Lahore Whites and Faisal Akram for Multan Region.

The first Test will be held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second and final Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24. The series will mark the beginning of the World Test Championship campaigns for both sides, with South Africa arriving as the defending champions.

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Pakistan’s Final Squad for South Africa Tests:

Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

With the squad now confirmed and venues locked in, Pakistan will be hoping to start their World Test Championship campaign on a strong note. The series offers a chance to test the depth of the red-ball setup against one of the most formidable sides in world cricket. All eyes will be on Lahore and Rawalpindi as the home side looks to make a statement early in the championship cycle.