LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan have trimmed their Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against South Africa, releasing all-rounder Aamir Jamal and uncapped spinner Faisal Akram, Geo News reported on Monday, citing sources.
The adjustment reduces the squad from 18 to 16 players, as Pakistan prepare to host the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 titleholders for the first red-ball series of the new WTC cycle.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to release Aamir and Faisal after consulting the coaching staff and selection committee.
Faisal, a 20-year-old left-arm wrist spinner, was among the uncapped players included in the initial squad announced last week, while Aamir has featured in eight Tests for Pakistan.
The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on 12 October, followed by the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. The series will mark the start of Pakistan’s WTC 2025–27 campaign.
Masood to lead Pakistan
Shan Masood will continue to lead the national side, with Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi among the senior players retained.
The revised 16-member Test squad includes two wicketkeepers — Mohammad Rizwan and Rohail Nazir — and a mix of experienced and young spinners, such as Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Sajid Khan.
Pakistan’s updated Test squad
Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, 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.
The upcoming tour carries special significance as it marks South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since January 2021, when the hosts recorded a 2–0 victory.
The tour will also feature three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) to be played between 28 October and 8 November in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
According to the PCB, the pre-series red-ball training camp is currently under way at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore under head coach Azhar Mahmood. Players returning from the recently concluded ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup will join the camp later this week.
Pakistan vs South Africa Series schedule
12–16 October: 1st Test – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
20–24 October: 2nd Test – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
28 October: 1st T20I – Rawalpindi
31 October: 2nd T20I – Lahore
1 November: 3rd T20I – Lahore
4–8 November: ODI series – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
