🏏 Four South Africa Tests-Bound Pakistan Stars Get Chance in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Before Home Series
📰 PCB’s Smart Move Before the South Africa Test Series
In a decisive step towards ensuring optimal match readiness ahead of the Pakistan vs South Africa Test series 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has permitted four key Test players to participate in the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT).
According to Geo News and PCB insiders, Mohammad Rizwan, Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha, and Sajid Khan — all part of Pakistan’s 18-member Test squad — have been released temporarily from the national training camp.
This move allows the players to fine-tune their skills in real match conditions, gain valuable red-ball practice, and enter the high-stakes Test series against South Africa with confidence and rhythm.
The QEAT’s first round concludes on October 9, just two days before the first Test match begins, ensuring the players can rejoin the national side on time.
🇵🇰 The Logic Behind PCB’s Decision
🎯 Maintaining Match Fitness
The PCB’s decision comes at a crucial time. With Pakistan set to launch its World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign against the reigning champions, South Africa, maintaining match fitness and form is essential.
While the training camp in Lahore focuses on technical and strategic preparation, nothing replicates match intensity like actual competition. Playing domestic first-class cricket offers that edge.
🧠 Mohsin Naqvi’s Proactive Approach
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has emphasized merit and performance over hierarchy since assuming office. His directive to allow select national players to play in the QEAT reflects his commitment to domestic structure revitalization and form-based selection.
By encouraging star players to feature in domestic cricket, he not only strengthens local tournaments but also sends a message — no player is above domestic cricket.
🏆 The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy: A Vital Platform for Test Preparedness
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier red-ball competition, remains the ultimate breeding ground for Test talent. Many national legends — including Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Babar Azam, and Azhar Ali — polished their craft in this tournament.
⚙️ Why QEAT Matters Before a Test Series
- Red-Ball Rhythm: Test cricket demands patience, shot selection, and mental discipline.
- Local Conditions: Playing on Pakistani pitches helps bowlers and batters adjust to local bounce and reverse swing.
- Confidence Booster: A century or a five-wicket haul in QEAT can do wonders for confidence heading into a Test.
👥 The Four Players Released: Roles, Form, and Expectations
🧤 Mohammad Rizwan — The Heartbeat Behind the Stumps
- Team: Peshawar Region
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batter
- Current Form: Consistent performer across formats
Mohammad Rizwan’s inclusion in the QEAT opening round is a major boost for the Peshawar Region. His leadership, energy, and consistency with the bat have made him one of Pakistan’s most dependable Test players.
Over the past year, Rizwan has worked on his defensive technique and ability to counter quality pace. With South Africa’s fearsome attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje, the wicketkeeper-batter knows he must be at his sharpest.
Expect him to use this domestic outing to sharpen reflexes and test his footwork against spin and seam.
🗣️ “Domestic cricket is where it all began. I never take it lightly. Playing QEAT keeps me grounded,” Rizwan had once remarked.
💥 Hasan Ali — Lahore Whites’ Experienced Spearhead
- Team: Lahore Whites
- Role: Fast bowler
- Current Focus: Accuracy, stamina, and rhythm
Hasan Ali’s career has seen its share of ups and downs, but his never-say-die attitude keeps him in contention. Known for his reverse swing and wicket celebrations, Hasan remains one of the most impactful pacers in Pakistan’s red-ball setup.
After battling injuries and form slumps, he’s looking to use QEAT as a springboard to full rhythm ahead of the South Africa Tests. Bowling long spells in domestic conditions will test his endurance and help him regain control over line and length.
⚡ Key Stats
- 23 Test matches
- 86 wickets @ 24.6 average
- Best figures: 10/114 vs South Africa (2021)
Hasan’s last memorable spell came against South Africa itself, when his fiery pace dismantled their middle order in Rawalpindi. The PCB’s move gives him a golden chance to repeat history.
🏏 Salman Ali Agha — The All-Round Engine
- Team: Sialkot Region
- Role: Batting all-rounder
- Skillset: Middle-order stability + handy off-spin
Salman Ali Agha’s progress as a Test cricketer has been one of Pakistan’s success stories in recent years. Calm, composed, and technically sound, he brings stability to the middle order — a crucial area against South Africa’s aggressive seam attack.
In addition to his batting, Salman’s part-time off-spin provides an additional bowling option in spin-friendly conditions.
🎯 Why QEAT Matters for Salman
Salman will likely use this domestic match to spend long hours at the crease, adjust to swing under hot Pakistani conditions, and practice rotating strike. For a player expected to bat long, time in the middle is priceless.
🎽 Sajid Khan — Spin Ace from Peshawar
- Team: Peshawar Region
- Role: Off-spinner
- Strengths: Flight, drift, and attacking mindset
Sajid Khan’s recall to the Test setup shows Pakistan’s intent to field at least two spinners against South Africa. The Narendra Modi Stadium Test series earlier this year showed how quality off-spinners can control the middle overs.
Playing in QEAT gives Sajid the chance to regain his wicket-taking rhythm and work on variations. Partnering with Rizwan for Peshawar will help him communicate better on-field — an essential component of wicket-taking plans.
🌍 Pakistan’s Home Advantage: Why It Matters Against South Africa
🏟️ Familiar Conditions, Spin Threat
Pakistan’s home pitches — especially in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan — tend to assist slow bowlers from Day 3 onward. This gives an upper hand to Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who can exploit rough patches effectively.
⚔️ South Africa’s Pace Challenge
South Africa’s pace attack remains one of the most lethal in world cricket. Rabada, Jansen, and Nortje can bowl long spells over 140 km/h. Facing such intensity requires Pakistan’s top order to be technically solid — hence the importance of QEAT practice.
📅 Key Dates to Watch
| Event | Date | Venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| QEAT Round 1 | Oct 3–9, 2025 | Multiple | Rizwan, Hasan, Salman, Sajid participate |
| Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test | Oct 11–15, 2025 | Lahore | Start of WTC 2025–27 campaign |
| Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test | Oct 19–23, 2025 | Karachi | Decider test for series momentum |
🏏 Pakistan Squad for South Africa Tests
Shan Masood (c), 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.
🔍 Squad Analysis
- Batting Core: Babar, Shan, Imam, Abdullah
- All-round Options: Agha, Aamir Jamal, Jadeja-style depth in lower order
- Bowling Power: Shaheen, Hasan, Sajid, Noman
Pakistan’s lineup blends youth with experience, aggression with patience — a formula needed to challenge South Africa.
⚙️ What This Means for Pakistan’s WTC Campaign
The upcoming Test series marks the start of Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 journey. A dominant performance here could set the tone for qualification hopes.
🧾 Key Goals:
- Win both Tests to earn maximum WTC points.
- Test bench strength in domestic conditions.
- Build momentum ahead of away tours to England and Australia.
🧠 Expert Take: Balancing Domestic and International Priorities
Cricket analysts praise PCB’s initiative, saying it bridges the gap between domestic excellence and international readiness. Former players like Misbah-ul-Haq and Rashid Latif have often criticized keeping players away from first-class cricket for extended periods.
This approach revives the domestic system’s importance — ensuring every player values red-ball cricket equally, from emerging stars to international icons.
🧠 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
🔍 Cricketory Analysis: A Smart Step by PCB Before a Crucial Test Series
The PCB’s move to let key Test players join the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy reflects a modern, data-driven mindset. With the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 beginning, the board is prioritizing form, workload management, and domestic structure strengthening.
This step also helps the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy gain prestige, attracting fans and broadcasters back to first-class cricket. Pakistan’s cricket ecosystem thrives when domestic and international cricket are integrated — and Mohsin Naqvi’s leadership seems to be steering in that direction.
🧩 Key Takeaways from Cricketory’s Analysis
Match-readiness before South Africa series ✅
Rizwan and Hasan will enter the Tests in rhythm — a huge plus against world-class pace.
Reinforcement of domestic cricket’s importance 🏆
Pakistan’s domestic scene gets a much-needed credibility boost.
Strategic WTC 2025–27 planning 🌍
Pakistan’s coaching setup aims to build early momentum in home conditions.
Player workload balance ⚖️
Participation in QEAT offers high-quality practice without overexertion.
🧠 Cricketory Verdict
This decision could prove pivotal in Pakistan’s long-term Test cricket revival. A few strong performances in QEAT can define the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa. Expect Rizwan and Hasan to set the tone, Agha to stabilize the middle order, and Sajid to exploit spin-friendly surfaces.
🌟 Fans React: Praise for Rizwan and Co.
Cricket fans on social media have applauded the move, trending hashtags like #BackToBasics, #QEAT2025, and #PakVsSA. Many praised Rizwan’s humility and commitment to domestic cricket.
💬 “That’s the spirit! Rizwan playing QEAT before a Test shows leadership by example,” one user wrote.
💬 “Hasan Ali bowling 20 overs a day again — that’s what we need before facing South Africa’s pace,” tweeted another fan.
🔮 What to Expect in the Coming Days
- Rizwan and Sajid to play for Peshawar — focus on red-ball temperament.
- Hasan and Salman to lead Lahore and Sialkot — testing domestic form.
- PCB selectors closely monitoring performances before final Test XI announcement.
🏁 Conclusion: A Win-Win for Pakistan Cricket
The PCB’s decision to release four Test-bound stars to play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025 is a masterstroke in Test preparation. It strengthens domestic cricket, enhances player readiness, and reflects a long-term vision for sustainable success.
As Pakistan prepares to lock horns with South Africa, these four players — Rizwan, Hasan, Agha, and Sajid — will carry not just experience but also the rhythm of recent match play.
🔥 With domestic grind meets international ambition — Pakistan looks ready to start their WTC 2025–27 journey with purpose, pride, and passion.
❓ FAQs About Pakistan’s QEAT and South Africa Test Series
1️⃣ Why are Rizwan, Hasan, Agha, and Sajid playing domestic cricket before the South Africa Tests?
A: To regain match sharpness and red-ball rhythm before the first Test. PCB wants players to be fully prepared for competitive intensity.
2️⃣ When does the first Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025 start?
A: The first Test begins on October 11, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, marking the start of the WTC 2025–27 campaign for Pakistan.
3️⃣ Which teams will Rizwan, Hasan, Agha, and Sajid represent in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy?
- Mohammad Rizwan – Peshawar Region
- Sajid Khan – Peshawar Region
- Hasan Ali – Lahore Whites
- Salman Ali Agha – Sialkot Region
4️⃣ How does this decision impact Pakistan’s WTC campaign?
A: It ensures Pakistan begins with match-fit, in-form players, reducing early-season rust and maximizing WTC points in home conditions.
5️⃣ Who are the top players to watch in the QEAT 2025?
A: Apart from these four, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel are expected to dominate once they rejoin the Test setup.