Pakistan Squad Selection Underway for South Africa Series

LAHORE: Discussions are in progress concerning the selection of Pakistan’s teams for the forthcoming white-ball series against South Africa. Sources indicate potential adjustments to both the T20I and ODI squads.

According to sources, the T20I team may see a couple of changes, with evaluations focused on the squad’s showing in the recent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. National selectors and team management are reportedly engaged in conversations to decide on possible modifications.

Sources also suggest that T20 captain Salman Ali Agha’s performance is being carefully evaluated, as the all-rounder has not performed as expected in his dual role as leader and batter.

Moreover, the potential comeback of experienced players and the introduction of fresh talent are under consideration as efforts are made to improve the squad ahead of the series. Small revisions to the ODI team are also being explored, although a definitive decision has not been reached, the sources noted.

It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had previously revealed the national Test squad for the two-match home series against South Africa, scheduled to commence on October 12 in Lahore.

The initially announced 18-member team was subsequently reduced to 16 players following the release of uncapped spinner Faisal Akram and all-rounder Aamir Jamal. Shan Masood will remain as the Test side’s captain, while two uncapped players, Asif Afridi and Rohail Nazir, have been included in the squad.

This series carries particular importance as international cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years, marking the beginning of Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign. The first Test match is set to take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12 to 16, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

This will be South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since January 2021, when they were defeated 2-0 by the home side. After the red-ball matches, the two teams will participate in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series from October 28 to November 1, with the first game in Rawalpindi and the final two at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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