Reportedly, Shaheen Shah Afridi has been left out of the squad announced for the two-test series in South Africa. Though the left-arm bowler is a part of limited-overs squads, he won’t be playing the test matches as part of his workload management.
Securing the second spot in the ICC bowlers ranking, Afridi is certainly a promising player for the upcoming Champions Trophy. He was also left out of the home test series played against England recently to make sure gets the due rest. He has been utilized strategically to ensure his upright fitness and form in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, claims PCB.
Babar Azam and Naseem Shah were also dropped out of the squad after playing the very first match of the recently played series against England. However, they have been recalled for the matches to be played in Capetown and Centurion and that too for all three formats.
Reports also inform that Sajid Khan, despite his spectacular 19 wickets in the two-test series against England, has been left out of the squad. Selector Aqib Javed says it was a tough decision opting him out of the squad for the series against South Africa. But the pace-friendly pitch conditions of the venue forced us to pick Muhammad Abbas over him. Being impeccable at seam bowling, Abbas would prove to be an outstanding selection for the pitches of South Africa.
The squad has been finalized for the tour and the T20 and ODI teams are expected to travel to South Africa on December 6th, directly from Zimbabwe. However, the test squad will likely travel on the 13th of December.
