Star batter Babar Azam, who was left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, has been recalled to Pakistan’s Test team for the home series against South Africa starting next month in Lahore.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday named an 18-player squad for the two-Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle. Mohammad Rizwan also returns, while three uncapped players have been included as selectors aim to strengthen red-ball depth.
Shan Masood will lead the side, with the first Test scheduled in Lahore from October 12–16 and the second in Rawalpindi from October 20–24. The final playing XI will be confirmed before the series opener.
South Africa’s tour will continue with three T20Is and three ODIs between October 28 and November 8.
Pre-series training camps begin today under head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA staff, running until October 8. Players from the Asia Cup will join on October 4.
Pakistan Test squad: Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Sajid Khan, Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Asif Afridi, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Faisal Akram, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel.
Along with Pakistan, South Africa Unveils Squads for Pakistan Tour
