Pakistan Include Uncapped Rohail Nazir, Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram in Test Squad for South Africa Series

Pakistan Include Uncapped Rohail Nazir, Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram in Test Squad for South Africa Series

Pakistan have announced a provisional 18-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, featuring three uncapped players in the form of Rohail Nazir, Asif Afridi, and Faisal Akram. The squad will be trimmed closer to the start of the first Test, which begins on October 12 in Lahore.

As confirmed earlier, Shan Masood will continue as Test captain, while players returning from the recent Asia Cup — Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Salman Ali Agha — are set to rejoin the national red-ball setup on October 4.

New Faces Bolster Spin and Wicketkeeping Options

The selection of Asif Afridi, a 38-year-old spin-bowling allrounder, brings experience to Pakistan's bowling group. Afridi has played 57 first-class matches, collecting 198 wickets at 25.49. Despite his age, he remains a consistent performer in domestic cricket and offers depth to Pakistan’s spin arsenal.

Joining him is 22-year-old left-arm wristspinner Faisal Akram, who has quickly risen through the ranks. Akram made his first-class debut in December 2023 and has taken 44 wickets in nine matches at an average of 30.95. He has also appeared in three ODIs, picking up five wickets.

The third uncapped inclusion is Rohail Nazir, a promising 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has already represented Pakistan in T20Is, making his debut at the 2023 Asian Games. In first-class cricket, he has featured in 43 matches, averaging 34.45 with the bat. Regarded highly within Pakistan’s domestic structure, Nazir adds competition and backup to the experienced Mohammad Rizwan.

Experienced Core Retained

Pakistan’s Test squad retains its seasoned core, with top-order batters Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Saud Shakeel forming the backbone of the batting unit. Mohammad Rizwan returns as first-choice wicketkeeper, with Kamran Ghulam and Salman Ali Agha offering middle-order support.

The pace department continues to rely on proven performers, including Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Aamir Jamal, while the spin unit is well-stocked with Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, alongside the new additions Afridi and Akram.

The squad will undergo a training camp in Lahore from September 30 to October 8, under the guidance of red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and coaches from the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Full Schedule – South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025

  • 1st Test: October 12–16 – Lahore

  • 2nd Test: October 20–24 – Rawalpindi

  • 1st T20I: October 28 – Rawalpindi

  • 2nd T20I: October 31 – Lahore

  • 3rd T20I: November 1 – Lahore

  • 1st ODI: November 4 – Faisalabad

  • 2nd ODI: November 6 – Faisalabad

  • 3rd ODI: November 8 – Faisalabad

Pakistan’s Provisional Test Squad vs South Africa:

  • Shan Masood (captain)

  • Aamir Jamal

  • Abdullah Shafique

  • Abrar Ahmed

  • Asif Afridi

  • Babar Azam

  • Faisal Akram

  • 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

This home series marks the beginning of a busy season for Pakistan across formats. With a mix of youth and experience, the selectors appear focused on both immediate results and long-term development — particularly in the spin and wicketkeeping departments.