Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been recalled to the squad for the upcoming Test series and white-ball matches against South Africa, starting next week. However, despite his impressive performance, taking 19 wickets in Pakistan’s 2-1 Test series win over England, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been excluded from the squad.
The tour will see Pakistan playing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, beginning on December 10. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who last played in 2021, has also made a return to the Test team.
The selectors have opted for a “horses for courses” approach, leaving Sajid Khan out due to South Africa's pitches, which are less favorable for spin bowling. Instead, Noman Ali has been included as the sole spinner in the squad.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s star fast bowler, will feature in the white-ball matches only. This decision comes as part of the team’s strategy to manage his workload, with key upcoming tournaments in mind.
The team management’s decisions aim to strike a balance between adapting to the challenging South African conditions and ensuring the players are fit and available for future international commitments. These tactical moves are geared towards giving Pakistan the best chance of success in both the Test and limited-overs formats during this crucial tour.
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