PCB announces squads for Pakistan’s South Africa tour 2023-24. Read about player inclusions, exclusions, and the complete tour schedule.
Pakistan Cricket Team for South Africa Tour 2023-24
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from December 10, 2023, to January 7, 2024. This crucial tour, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, serves as a preparation ground for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Squad for T20Is
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk)
T20I Squad Highlights
Pakistan will begin the series with three T20 Internationals, beginning in Durban on December 10. Mohammad Rizwan leads the T20I squad, which includes seasoned stalwarts like Babar Azam as well as exciting new prospects like Sufyan Moqim, who won his position following an excellent performance against Zimbabwe.
Moqim’s ability to destroy batting lineups with his left-arm wrist spin brings a new dimension to the team. The youthful spinner took eight wickets in two T20Is against Zimbabwe, including an impressive five-wicket haul.
The T20I series will also include developing pacers such as Mohammad Abbas Afridi and Jahandad Khan, providing depth to the bowling attack.
Squad for ODIs
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).
ODI Squad: Building Momentum for ICC Champions Trophy
Mohammad Rizwan will once again lead the ODI charge. The ODI team features established players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, as well as newbies like Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan.
The inclusion of Shaheen Afridi in ODIs while resting him for Tests is a smart decision to manage his workload. According to interim head coach Aqib Javed, this strategy will keep Afridi in optimum shape for the Champions Trophy.
Sufyan Moqim’s first call-up to the ODI team demonstrates the PCB’s commitment to providing new talent with opportunities on a global scale.
Squad for Tests
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Test Squad: Strategic Selections for Pace-Friendly Conditions
The Test squad, led by Shan Masood, sees the return of veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas, who last represented Pakistan in August 2021. Abbas earned his spot through consistent performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he picked up 31 wickets in just five matches.
The selectors have opted for a pace-heavy attack, including Mir Hamza, Naseem Shah, and newcomer Khurram Shahzad, while sticking with just one specialist spinner, Noman Ali. Aqib Javed explained the rationale behind the decision:
“In South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions, seamers will play a pivotal role. Hence, we have emphasized bowlers with proven skills in swinging and seaming conditions.”
Notably, Sajid Khan, who was instrumental in the Test series against England, has been excluded. While this decision sparked debate, Javed affirmed it was made with the conditions in mind.
Strategic Workload Management
Managing players’ workloads remains a cornerstone of PCB’s strategy. The decision to rest Shaheen Afridi for Tests and to sideline Fakhar Zaman due to fitness concerns underscores the importance of long-term planning.
Aqib Javed stated:
“Our goal is to strike the right balance. We want players to stay mentally and physically fresh, especially with the Champions Trophy in mind.”
Tour Schedule of Pakistan vs South Africa
Here’s a complete breakdown of the fixtures:
T20I Series
10 Dec: First T20I, Durban
13 Dec: Second T20I, Centurion
14 Dec: Third T20I, Johannesburg
ODI Series
17 Dec: First ODI, Paarl
19 Dec: Second ODI, Cape Town
22 Dec: Third ODI, Johannesburg
Test Series
26-30 Dec: First Test, Centurion
3-7 Jan: Second Test, Cape Town
Key Talking Points
- Mohammad Abbas’ return to the Test squad boosts it, considering his propensity to exploit seam-friendly grounds.
- Sufyan Moqim’s success in Zimbabwe solidified his place in Pakistan’s white-ball squads.
- Exclusion of Fakhar Zaman: With Zaman’s form and health under review, his omission raises concerns about his future with the national team.
- Balancing Workloads: Strategic actions, such as Shaheen Afridi’s removal from Tests, demonstrate the PCB’s commitment to long-term player management.
Also Read: Latest Update on ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI Disagrees