KEY POINTS
- Afridi, 38, will make his Test debut for Pakistan against South Africa.
- Pakistan captain Shan Masood and South Africa’s Aiden Markram unveiled trophy.
LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan is set to begin its campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 with the first of a two-match series against defending champions South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.
In a glittering ceremony held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, Pakistan captain Shan Masood and South African counterpart Aiden Markram unveiled the coveted ICC World Test Championship trophy.
The unveiling, a symbolic moment for both teams, sets the stage for an exciting series between two top cricketing nations.
For Pakistan, the focus is on building a balanced side to face the strong South African challenge.
However, a last-minute change to the squad has added a special moment to the series opener: Asif Afridi, the seasoned 38-year-old left-arm spinner, will replace the ill Sajid Khan, who has been ruled out due to a viral fever.
Afridi, known for his impressive first-class record, will make his Test debut, a milestone after years of consistent domestic performances.
Afridi has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49, making him a seasoned campaigner. His inclusion is a significant moment for the veteran spinner, who has long been a key figure in Pakistan’s domestic circuit.
He will be partnering with the experienced Nauman Ali, who has 83 wickets in 19 Tests, providing a strong spin combination for the hosts.
In the pace department, Pakistan will welcome back Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is set to make his return to the Test team after a year.
The left-arm pacer has 116 wickets in 31 Tests and will share the new ball with Hasan Ali, who is also making a comeback after a long break from Test cricket. Hasan Ali has 80 wickets in 24 Tests and last played in January 2024 against Australia.
The batting lineup will feature left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq, who returns to the longest format after a brief absence since December 2023.
Imam is expected to provide solidity at the top alongside Abdullah Shafique, with captain Shan Masood and the in-form Babar Azam anchoring the middle order.
The first Test match, scheduled from October 12 to 16, will be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the second Test set to take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.
South Africa’s tour will include a series across all formats, and both teams will be eager to start the World Test Championship cycle with a strong performance.
Pakistan’s Likely Playing XI
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain),
Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hassan Ali, Nauman Ali, Asif Afridi (debut)
