Pakistan Axes Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram from Test Squad Ahead of South Africa Series

LAHORE: In preparation for the forthcoming two-match series against South Africa, Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram have been excused from the Pakistan national Test squad, sources revealed on Monday.

The squad, initially comprising 18 members, has been trimmed to 16 following the departures of Jamal and Akram. It is worth noting that Faisal Akram was among the fresh faces initially selected for the team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously unveiled the squad on September 30, marking the commencement of the home series on October 12 in Lahore.

Shan Masood will remain the team’s captain. Aside from the recently released young spinner, Asif Afridi and Rohail Nazir, both uncapped players, continue to be part of the original squad.

This tour is particularly noteworthy as international cricket makes its return to Faisalabad after a hiatus of 17 years. Moreover, it signifies the beginning of Pakistan’s new World Test Championship (WTC) campaign, with South Africa, the defending champions, touring the nation.

The first Test is scheduled to be held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, and the subsequent Test will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

This series marks South Africa’s first Test appearance in Pakistan since January 2021, during which the home team secured a 2-0 series victory.

Following the Test matches, the two teams will engage in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series spanning from October 28 to November 1. The initial T20I will be hosted in Rawalpindi, with the remaining two matches set to be played in Lahore.

The tour will conclude with a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8, with all games scheduled at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Updated Pakistan Test squad:

Shan Masood (C), 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 and Shaheen Shah Afridi.