PCB unveils 18-man squad for South Africa Tests

News Desk

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday named an 18-member squad for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, with Shan Masood continuing as captain.

The squad includes three newcomers — left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, young spinner Faisal Akram, and wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir.

A national training camp will be held in Lahore from September 30 to October 8, with players currently featuring in the Asia Cup joining on October 4.

The first Test will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from October 12 to 16, while the second Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24.

Key players Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are part of the squad, along with Abdullah Shafiq, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, all-rounder Aamir Jamal, and pacers Hassan Ali and Khurram Shahzad.

Pakistan’s spin attack has also been strengthened with Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Kamran Ghulam, and Abrar Ahmed joining the ranks.

With the addition of Afridi, Akram, and Nazir, selectors have added depth and fresh options to the squad ahead of the two-match series.