Pakistan Announces Test Squad for South Africa Tour, Excludes Afridi and Sajid Khan

The PCB has announced the Test squad for the South Africa tour, beginning December 10, with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah returning. In a surprising move, Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan have been excluded from the squad. Pacer Mohammad Abbas makes a comeback, while Noman Ali is the only specialist spinner selected. These decisions aim to align the team’s strengths with the conditions expected in South Africa.

On December 4, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa scheduled to begin on December 10. Notable inclusions in the squad are Babar Azam and Naseem Shah, who return after being rested for the home series against England. However, the squad shockingly excludes left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and in-form spinner Sajid Khan, both key players in recent performances. Pacer Mohammad Abbas has made a return to the lineup, bolstering the team’s bowling options. Alongside Afridi and Khan, pacers Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mehran Mumtaz, and Zahid Mahmood have also been omitted from the Test squad. The only specialist spinner selected is left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

The decision to exclude key players like Sajid Khan and Shaheen Afridi from the Test squad has raised eyebrows, especially considering their recent performances. Sajid Khan significantly contributed to Pakistan’s success, especially with his exceptional seven-wicket haul in Multan during the second Test against England. The PCB’s selection committee, led by Aqib Javed, stated that the decision was influenced by the need for a balanced squad suited to South Africa’s pitch conditions, which favor pace bowling. Therefore, Mohammad Abbas was preferred over Khan. Moreover, Afridi’s omission is strategic, focusing on preserving him for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, although he remains a crucial member of the ODI and T20I teams for this tour.

The announcement of the Test squad for the South Africa tour reflects a strategic approach by the Pakistan Cricket Board, prioritizing player conditions and the suitability of bowling styles to the local conditions. While the exclusion of Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan is unexpected, the selection committee maintains that these choices are essential for achieving balance and strength in the squad. Ultimately, the tour’s success will depend on how well the chosen players perform against challenging opponents in pace-friendly environments.

Original Source: thesportstak.com