PCB Announced Pakistan Team Squads for South Africa & Sri Lanka ODI & T20I Series | Shaheen Afridi to Lead ODIs | Salman Ali Agha to Continue as T20I Captain | full squad review
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national team’s white-ball squads for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as the T20I series against South Africa and a tri-nation series featuring Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
This announcement marks the start of Pakistan’s busy international season, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking charge as the new ODI captain, while Salman Ali Agha continues to lead the T20I side.
The selections reflect a thoughtful balance between experience and youth — a blend designed to build momentum ahead of major ICC events.
Pakistan ODI Squad for South Africa & Sri Lanka Series
| Player | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (C) | Left-arm fast bowler | New ODI captain, Pakistan’s spearhead in powerplays |
| Abrar Ahmed | Leg-spinner | Mystery spinner, expected to test batsmen on turning tracks |
| Babar Azam | Top-order batter | Pakistan’s most consistent run-scorer, key in stabilizing innings |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Provides balance with pace bowling and lower-order hitting |
| Faisal Akram | Left-arm wrist spinner | Young talent, offers variety in spin department |
| Fakhar Zaman | Opening batter | Aggressive top-order striker, dangerous in powerplays |
| Haris Rauf | Fast bowler | Express pace, key wicket-taker in middle overs |
| Haseebullah Khan (wk/bat) | Wicketkeeper-batter | Promising youngster, known for attacking batting style |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batter | Emerging domestic star, praised for temperament and timing |
| Hussain Talat | All-rounder | Adds middle-order flexibility and medium-pace option |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Spin-bowling all-rounder, ideal for subcontinent pitches |
| Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter | Senior pro and reliable run-getter in the middle order |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr | Fast-bowling all-rounder | Handy lower-order hitter and death-over bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Fast bowler | Young pace sensation, vital with new ball |
| Saim Ayub | Top-order batter | Stylish left-hander, considered Pakistan’s future T20/ODI star |
| Salman Ali Agha | Middle-order batter | Consistent performer, leadership qualities recognized |
Pakistan T20I Squad for South Africa & Tri-Nation Series
| Player | Role | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha (C) | All-rounder | Continues as captain, brings calm leadership |
| Abdul Samad | Power-hitter | Known for six-hitting, adds lower-order firepower |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner | Retained for spin depth in short format |
| Babar Azam | Top-order batter | Returns to T20I setup after break, vital for stability |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder | Seam option and power-hitter in middle overs |
| Hasan Nawaz | Batter | Rewarded for domestic T20 performances |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder | Experienced campaigner in T20s, adds depth |
| Mohammad Wasim Jr | Fast-bowling all-rounder | Consistent performer in franchise leagues |
| Mohammad Salman Mirza | Fast bowler | Raw pace talent, could surprise top-order batsmen |
| Naseem Shah | Fast bowler | Returns after injury, brings aggression and control |
| Sahibzada Farhan (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter | Technically sound player with aggressive approach |
| Saim Ayub | Opening batter | Pakistan’s next-gen star, dynamic T20 option |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast bowler | Adds leadership support and strike bowling strength |
| Usman Khan (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter | Known for explosive batting in UAE T20 leagues |
| Usman Tariq | Batter | Uncapped player, surprise inclusion from domestic cricket |
| Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim | — | Experienced backups and emerging spinner |
Upcoming Pakistan vs South Africa & Sri Lanka Series Schedule (Expected)
| Format | Opponent | Venue | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | South Africa | Lahore | November 3, 2025 |
| 2nd ODI | South Africa | Lahore | November 6, 2025 |
| 3rd ODI | South Africa | Rawalpindi | November 9, 2025 |
| 1st ODI | Sri Lanka | Karachi | November 13, 2025 |
| 2nd ODI | Sri Lanka | Karachi | November 15, 2025 |
| 3rd ODI | Sri Lanka | Multan | November 18, 2025 |
| T20I Series (Tri-Nation) | vs Sri Lanka & Zimbabwe | Lahore, Karachi | November 22–30, 2025 |
Squad Analysis & Key Talking Points
1. Leadership Shift and Strategic Depth
Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as ODI captain marks a new chapter. His aggressive, front-leading style will be tested in tight chases and high-pressure games. On the other hand, Salman Ali Agha’s continued T20I leadership highlights PCB’s intent to invest in calm, tactical minds.
2. Return of Experience
Babar Azam’s comeback in T20Is is crucial — not just for runs, but for balance. His ability to anchor innings allows stroke-makers like Saim Ayub and Usman Khan to play freely.
3. Youth Movement
Hasan Nawaz, Faisal Akram, and Usman Tariq are names for the future. Their inclusion shows PCB’s willingness to blend development with performance.
4. Bowling Variety
Pakistan’s bowling depth remains unmatched — from Shaheen, Naseem, and Rauf’s express pace to Abrar and Nawaz’s spin control, the attack covers all conditions.
5. Preparation for ICC Events
With major tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2026 and T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, this squad rotation strategy seems focused on experimentation and finding the right combinations.
Fans’ Reactions & Expert Opinions
While many fans welcomed the inclusion of youth, some voiced concerns about the backup keeper situation in T20s and the frequent captaincy changes. However, cricket experts believe this flexibility is part of Pakistan’s long-term strategy to groom future leaders.
What to Watch in the Upcoming Series
- Afridi’s Captaincy: How he handles pressure and motivates his bowlers.
- Babar’s Comeback: Can he regain his explosive T20 rhythm?
- Naseem’s Return: His fitness and wicket-taking rhythm will be under focus.
- Youngsters’ Impact: Especially how Hasan Nawaz and Usman Tariq perform under international spotlight.
- Team Balance: Pakistan’s flexibility in batting and bowling combinations.
FAQs – Pakistan White-Ball Squad 2025
Who is the new ODI captain of Pakistan?
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as the new ODI captain.
Who will lead Pakistan in T20Is against South Africa?
Salman Ali Agha will continue as T20I captain.
Is Babar Azam back in the T20I squad?
Yes, Babar Azam returns to strengthen Pakistan’s top order.
Which uncapped players are selected?
Faisal Akram and Usman Tariq are the notable uncapped names.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s latest squad announcement sets the tone for an exciting international season ahead. The blend of experience, leadership transitions, and youth integration signals a new strategic phase for Pakistan cricket.
As fans eagerly await the ODI and T20I clashes, the spotlight will be on how Afridi and Agha lead the new era.
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