In preparation for their highly anticipated tour of South Africa, Pakistan’s cricket team has introduced two significant changes in its white-ball squad. The tour, scheduled for December, includes three T20 Internationals (T20Is), three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and two Test matches, with the Test series forming part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
According to media sources, left-handed openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq will make their comebacks to Pakistan’s squad for the T20I and ODI series. Both players have been away from the national team for some time, and their returns are expected to bolster Pakistan’s lineup with their experience and skill.
Fakhar Zaman’s absence from recent squads followed a contentious episode where he voiced support for Babar Azam, who was dropped from Pakistan’s Test squad against England. Fakhar’s tweet triggered disciplinary action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), leading to a showcause notice, his exclusion from the current white-ball series against Australia, and a removal from the central contract list. However, with the South Africa tour approaching, signs of improved relations between Fakhar and the PCB have cleared the way for his return.
Imam-ul-Haq, with an ODI average of 48.27, also reclaims his spot in the white-ball squad. The 27-year-old last played an ODI in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. His experience and dependable performance are expected to enhance Pakistan’s batting depth.
The Pakistan team’s tour of South Africa will commence with the T20I series in Durban on December 10, followed by ODIs and concluding with the crucial WTC Test matches. Here is a breakdown of the tour schedule:
Tour Schedule:
- T20I Series
- 10 Dec – 1st T20I, Durban
- 13 Dec – 2nd T20I, Centurion
- 14 Dec – 3rd T20I, Johannesburg
- ODI Series
- 17 Dec – 1st ODI, Paarl
- 19 Dec – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
- 22 Dec – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
- Test Series
- 26-30 Dec – 1st Test, Centurion
- 3-7 Jan – 2nd Test, Cape Town
Pakistan’s revamped squad will aim to make a strong impression on this tour, which promises excitement across all formats.
