Pakistan Announce Spin-Heavy Squad for Home Test Series Against South Africa

By AFP | Published September 30, 2025 – 4:20 PM

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an 18-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, starting October 12 in Lahore. The selection highlights Pakistan’s trust in spin, with five spinners included in the team, while Shan Masood has been appointed captain. The announcement also marks the much-awaited return of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is back in Test cricket after a year-long break.

Spin Department Strengthened

Pakistan have opted for a spin-heavy strategy, recalling proven names alongside introducing new faces. The squad includes Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, both of whom were instrumental in Pakistan’s Test success at home last year. In addition, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, and veteran Asif Afridi add depth to the spin attack.

According to the PCB statement: “There are two newcomers in the spin department to support Sajid and Noman. With 38-year-old Afridi bringing vast experience and the young Faisal Akram adding flair, Pakistan hopes to maximize spin-friendly conditions.”

Shaheen Afridi’s Comeback

A major highlight of the squad announcement is the return of Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-arm pacer, who has been Pakistan’s strike bowler across formats, had been absent from red-ball cricket for nearly 12 months due to injury management and workload concerns. His comeback adds much-needed pace balance to an otherwise spin-dominated side.

Backup Wicketkeeper Introduced

Alongside regular Mohammad Rizwan, the selectors have included Rohail Nazir as an uncapped wicketkeeping option. His inclusion provides backup and signals PCB’s focus on grooming the next generation of players for the longest format.

Background: Spin Tactics at Home

Pakistan have increasingly relied on spin-friendly pitches in home series. Against England last year, Pakistan used heavy spin support to secure a 2-1 series win after losing the opening Test. Noman Ali claimed 20 wickets while Sajid Khan took 19 across the last two Tests, underlining the success of the spin strategy.

World Test Championship Context

The series marks the beginning of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). South Africa, who won the 2023–2025 cycle, will be aiming to continue their dominance. Pakistan, on the other hand, finished at the bottom of the table last cycle and will be looking to reset under Shan Masood’s leadership. The first Test begins in Lahore on October 12, followed by the second in Rawalpindi from October 20.

Upcoming White-Ball Series

Following the Test series, Pakistan and South Africa will also play a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. This full tour gives Pakistan a chance to test their depth across formats and rebuild momentum after an underwhelming performance in the last WTC cycle.

Pakistan Test Squad vs South Africa 2025

Squad: Shan Masood (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Final Thoughts

The announcement of a spin-dominant squad shows Pakistan’s intent to capitalize on home conditions against South Africa. With Shan Masood’s captaincy, the return of Shaheen Afridi, and the inclusion of rising spin talent, the series promises to be a crucial test for Pakistan’s future in red-ball cricket. Whether the strategy pays off will depend on how effectively the spinners can exploit subcontinent pitches and whether Pakistan can make a fresh start in the World Test Championship 2025–2027 cycle.