Pak Announces 18-Man Test Squad for SA, Shaheen Afridi Returns

Pakistan has confirmed their full strength 18-man squad for the upcoming Pakistan vs South Africa Test series. The squad has some names that are sparking debate among fans. The big headline is the return of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the test squad. 

Pakistan Test Squad: Shan Masood (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Rohail Nazir (wk), Babar Azam, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Another fast bowler has been left out, and his absence has everyone talking. Naseem Shah, who many expected to spearhead the attack alongside Shaheen, finds himself overlooked. 

Shan Masood will once again take charge as captain of the Test side. With proven performers like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the batting order, but eyes will also be on the trio of uncapped players: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir. That one decision to include three debutants in the same series could flip everything.

The series schedule makes things even more fascinating. Lahore will host the opening clash starting October 12, followed by the Rawalpindi Test on October 20. Back-to-back games, both at iconic venues, and both under the pressure of a fresh championship campaign.

The buzz around Shaheen’s recall is massive. His last red-ball outing was cut short, and many wondered if his workload management would keep him out longer. Now he’s back, and expectations couldn’t be higher. Fans believe his pace and bounce on home tracks could rattle South Africa’s top order. “That one spell can change the mood of a stadium,” one supporter said outside Gaddafi Stadium. You could almost feel the electricity in his words.

But what about Naseem? Social media is flooded with posts asking why the young speedster has been sidelined. Some point to fitness, others to rotation. The selectors haven’t given a detailed explanation, which only adds to the curiosity.

Fans also want to see Rohail Nazir play as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He has been tipped as a long-term prospect. If he gets his chance, the reception will be loud. As for Faisal Akram, the left-arm spinner, he carries whispers of being the next big find in Pakistan cricket. Will they risk handing debuts in such a high-stakes series? That remains the unanswered question.

The atmosphere heading into this series is tense but hopeful. Pakistan’s recent record at home has been mixed, but the return of senior players and the introduction of fresh blood creates a cocktail of anticipation. The Pakistan test squad looks unpredictable, which might just be their biggest strength.

For South Africa, this series is no less important. They are the reigning champions of the World Test Championship, and every side wants to dent their momentum early. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to start their campaign with intent.