Pakistan has finalized an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting on 12 October as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Shan Masood will continue as captain, leading a team that combines experience with fresh talent. Youngsters Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir have been handed maiden Test call-ups. Alongside them, senior players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Hasan Ali add balance and depth. The final playing XI will be confirmed ahead of the opening Test in Lahore.
The first Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 12–16 October, followed by the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20–24 October. South Africa, the reigning ICC World Test Championship winners, are expected to pose a strong challenge to Pakistan’s squad.
In preparation, the players will participate in a red-ball training camp under Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches from 4 October. Members who recently featured in the Asia Cup will join the camp later.
After the Tests, both teams will also compete in three T20Is and three ODIs between 28 October and 8 November, with white-ball squads to be announced separately.
Pakistan’s 18-Member Squad
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
