Babar, Naseem recalled for South Africa tour

The Pakistan selection committee has announced the squad for the upcoming full series against South Africa. Star batter Babar Azam returns to the team, and he will be playing in all formats against the Proteas. However, there is a surprise omission from the Test squad as Sajid Khan has been dropped. Additionally, Shaheen Shah Afridi will not feature in the Test series against South Africa.

Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Babar Azam are named in all three formats. Fast bowler Naseem Shah has been selected for both Test and ODI formats, while Shaheen Shah Afridi will only play in the white-ball formats.

The Test squad also sees the return of fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who last played in August 2021 in Jamaica. After taking 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens in Sri Lanka 'A' last month, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has been included in the Test squad. Mir Hamza also makes it to the 15-member Test squad.

Despite taking 19 wickets against England, off-spinner Sajid Khan has been dropped from the squad. Given the conditions, left-arm spinner Noman Ali has been included. In addition, Sufiyan Mukim is set to make his debut in the ODI format.

Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (Captain), Saud Shakeel (Vice-Captain), Amir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Hasibullah (Wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper), 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, Sufiyan Mukim, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.

Pakistan T20I Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahan Dad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Mukim, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.

The series will take place from December 10 to January 7 in South Africa, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. The T20I matches will be held on December 10, 13, and 14, while the ODI series will take place on December 17, 19, and 22. The two Tests will be played on December 26 and January 3.