📢 Official Announcement: Pakistan’s 18-Member Squad Revealed
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 18-man Test squad for the much-awaited Pakistan vs South Africa Test series 2025, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27.
- Shan Masood will continue as captain.
- Three uncapped players – Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir – have received call-ups.
- The squad will be trimmed down before the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (12-16 October 2025).
This series is vital, as South Africa are coming in as ICC WTC 2023-25 Champions, making it a blockbuster clash.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Test Squad vs South Africa 2025
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Asif Afridi
- Babar Azam
- Faisal Akram
- 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
🌟 Key Talking Points From the Squad
🔥 Shan Masood Continues as Captain
The PCB has shown faith in Shan Masood, keeping him as captain despite mixed performances. His leadership will be tested against the tough South African bowling attack.
🆕 Three New Faces in the Squad
- Asif Afridi – A left-arm spinner known for consistency in domestic cricket.
- Faisal Akram – Young chinaman bowler who adds mystery spin.
- Rohail Nazir – Wicket-keeper batter providing backup to Rizwan.
⭐ Senior Players to Watch
- Babar Azam – Pakistan’s batting mainstay, crucial in home conditions.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Strike bowler with ability to swing new ball.
- Mohammad Rizwan – Keeper-batter who adds stability in the middle order.
🏟️ Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test Series Schedule
📅 Test Matches
- 1st Test: 12-16 October – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 2nd Test: 20-24 October – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
📅 T20I Matches
- 1st T20I: 28 October – Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- 2nd T20I: 31 October – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: 1 November – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📅 ODI Matches
- 1st ODI: 4 November – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: 6 November – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: 8 November – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
⚔️ Clash of Titans: Why This Series Matters
This isn’t just another Test series — it’s the start of Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign.
- South Africa arrive as World Test Champions (2023-25).
- Pakistan are rebuilding under Shan Masood, with Babar Azam, Rizwan, and Shaheen as their pillars.
- The WTC points system makes every Test crucial.
🔍 Cricketory Insights: Strengths & Weaknesses
✅ Pakistan Strengths
- Strong top order with Babar Azam, Imam, and Abdullah Shafique.
- Spin depth with Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, and new inclusion Faisal Akram.
- Shaheen Afridi leading a potent pace attack.
⚠️ Pakistan Weaknesses
- Inconsistent captaincy under Shan Masood.
- Middle-order collapses in pressure situations.
- Lack of experience among new inclusions.
✅ South Africa Strengths
- Dominant pace attack with Rabada, Ngidi, and Nortje.
- Experienced batting core with Markram, Bavuma, and Elgar.
- Strong record against Pakistan in ICC events.
⚠️ South Africa Weaknesses
- Struggle in subcontinent conditions.
- Inexperienced spinners.
- Pressure of defending their WTC crown.
🏏 Players to Watch in Pakistan vs South Africa Tests 2025
⭐ Pakistan
- Babar Azam – Expected to anchor Pakistan’s batting.
- Shaheen Afridi – New-ball destroyer at home.
- Abrar Ahmed – Mystery spinner who can trouble South Africans.
⭐ South Africa
- Kagiso Rabada – Strike bowler, deadly with reverse swing.
- Aiden Markram – Key top-order batter.
- Temba Bavuma – Captaincy and batting experience critical.
📊 Head-to-Head: Pakistan vs South Africa in Tests
- Total Matches: 30+
- South Africa Wins: Dominant in past meetings.
- Pakistan Wins: Stronger in home conditions.
- Recent Record: Pakistan beat South Africa in the 2021 Test series at home.
🔥 What This Means for ICC World Test Championship 2025-27
Every win matters in the WTC points table. A home Test series win against South Africa will give Pakistan a huge boost in their campaign.
- Pakistan Goal: Secure top-3 finish in WTC standings.
- South Africa Goal: Continue dominance as defending champions.
📰 Social Buzz Around the Squad Announcement
Fans on social media are reacting strongly to the inclusion of three uncapped players. Some believe it’s a bold move, while others call it a risky gamble against a strong South African side.
- Hashtags trending: #PakvsSA #WTC2025 #BabarAzam #ShaheenAfridi
❓ FAQs – Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series 2025
Q1. Who is the captain of Pakistan Test team vs South Africa 2025?
➡️ Shan Masood will captain Pakistan in the two-match Test series.Q2. Which new players are included in Pakistan’s squad?
➡️ Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir are the three uncapped players.Q3. When is the Pakistan vs South Africa first Test 2025?
➡️ The first Test starts on 12 October 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.Q4. What is special about this series?
➡️ It’s part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, making it crucial for both sides.Q5. Where will the ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa 2025 be played?
➡️ All three ODIs will be hosted at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.📌 Cricketory Final Analysis
The upcoming Pakistan vs South Africa Test series 2025 promises high drama, fiery pace battles, and spin challenges. With Babar Azam’s consistency, Shaheen’s aggression, and South Africa’s world-class pace attack, fans can expect a thrilling contest.
👉 If Pakistan’s new inclusions step up and Shan Masood handles pressure well, this could mark the start of a successful WTC 2025-27 campaign for Pakistan.