(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
PCB Announces Final Pakistan Test Squad for South Africa Series — Two Players Dropped
October 6, 2025 | 2:37 PM
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized the 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting October 12. The initial 18-member squad, announced on September 30, has been reduced after two players were released from national duty.
Aamer Jamal and Faisal Akram Miss Out
All-rounder Aamer Jamal and young left-arm spinner Faisal Akram are the two players who have been left out of the final Test squad. Aamer was eyeing a Test comeback, while Faisal had earned his maiden call-up to the national team.
Both cricketers will now turn out for their respective domestic sides in the 68th Quaid-e-Azam Trophy — Aamer Jamal for Lahore Whites and Faisal Akram for Multan Region.
Test Series Schedule
The opening Test will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from October 12–16, followed by the second and final Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20–24.
This series marks the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 for both Pakistan and South Africa, with the Proteas arriving as defending champions.
Upcoming White-Ball Series
After the Tests, South Africa will remain in Pakistan for six limited-overs matches — three T20 Internationals from October 28 to November 1, split between Rawalpindi and Lahore, followed by a three-match ODI series from November 4–8 at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.
The PCB is expected to announce the white-ball squads in the coming days.
Pakistan’s Final Squad for South Africa Tests
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Shan Masood (Captain)
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Abdullah Shafique
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Abrar Ahmed
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Asif Afridi
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Babar Azam
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Hasan Ali
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Imam-ul-Haq
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Kamran Ghulam
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Khurram Shahzad
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Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
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Noman Ali
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Rohail Nazir (wk)
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Sajid Khan
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Salman Ali Agha
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Saud Shakeel
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
Focus on a Strong Start
With the squad now finalized and venues confirmed, Pakistan will be eager to kick off their World Test Championship campaign with a confident performance at home. The series will be a key opportunity for the team to test its depth and resilience against one of the strongest red-ball sides in world cricket.
Cricket fans across Lahore and Rawalpindi are set for an exciting fortnight as Pakistan vs South Africa promises to deliver top-quality Test action.
