The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed its squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, led by Shan Masood. Key changes include the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan, while Babar Azam and Naseem Shah return. The ODI selection notably omits Fakhar Zaman due to fitness concerns, with emerging spinners included instead.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally announced its 15-member squads for the impending tour of South Africa, featuring an array of matches including three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches. Shan Masood will continue to lead the Test team, having secured victory in the recent series against England. Notably, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah return to the squad after their absence from the final Tests.
Fakhar Zaman was excluded from the ODI squad due to ongoing fitness and form issues, which also sees the inclusion of emerging spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem. The most significant alterations in the Test squad include the omission of Shaheen Afridi and prominent spinner Sajid Khan.
Aaqib Javed, Pakistan’s head coach, articulated that Shaheen Afridi’s absence is a strategic measure aimed at preserving his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The decision to exclude Sajid Khan, despite his commendable performances against England, was challenging, yet the selectors opted for Mohammad Abbas in light of the pace-friendly conditions expected in South Africa.
As part of their preparations for the tour of South Africa, the Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled their squads, emphasizing a strategy that balances experience and youthful talent. The tour includes a mix of format games essential for enhancing team cohesion and performance against international competition. With conditions favoring pace bowlers, the selection process reflects a nuanced understanding of the conditions and the performances of players in recent series.
In summary, the Pakistan squad for the South Africa tour reveals a thoughtful selection strategy, with the exclusion of key players like Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan aimed at optimizing the team for different conditions and future tournaments. Shan Masood’s continued leadership and the return of Babar Azam highlight a blend of experienced and young talent, which will be crucial as Pakistan seeks to compete effectively in the upcoming series.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
