Pakistan's Test squad is set to convene in Dubai before heading to South Africa for their two-match red-ball series against them.
Players from Karachi and Lahore will travel to Dubai to assemble as a unit before their departure to South Africa.
Key squad members such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Saim Ayub, who are currently engaged in white-ball matches in South Africa, will shift their attention to the upcoming Test series once the ongoing games conclude.
Naseem Shah, Kamran Ghulam, and Abdullah Shafique, who are included in both ODI and Test squads, will also join the preparatory camp. Additionally, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, and Noman Ali are set to link up with the team for the series.
Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie is expected to arrive in South Africa shortly to oversee the team's training and strategy sessions ahead of the matches.
In the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, Pakistan currently sits in seventh place with 40 points from 10 matches, including four victories. Meanwhile, South Africa leads the table with 76 points from 10 matches and is just one win away from securing a place in the WTC final, boasting an impressive win percentage of 63.33%.
Pakistan Test squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
Pakistan-South Africa Test series schedule:
26-30 December: First Test, Centurion
3-7 January: Second Test, Cape Town
Pak T20 team arrives in Johannesburg
The Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Centurion from Durban to prepare for the second T20 International match against South Africa.
The team will begin preparations today for the crucial match, scheduled to take place tomorrow. Pakistan is looking to bounce back after an 11-run defeat in the first T20I.
South Africa claimed an 11-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban, with George Linde and David Miller delivering standout performances.
David Miller's explosive 82 off 40 and George Linde's all-round brilliance (48 off 24, 4/21) powered South Africa to a thrilling 11-run win over Pakistan. Despite Shaheen Afridi (3-22) and Abrar Ahmed (3-37) keeping South Africa at 183/9, Pakistan's chase faltered. Mohammad Rizwan's slow start (74 off 62) and middle-order struggles left too much for the final overs. Debutant Kwena Maphaka's clutch dismissal of Rizwan in the last over sealed the win for South Africa.
Pakistan will aim to improve its performance in the upcoming match and level the three-match series against the Proteas.
Wasim Akram happy for Pak as CT hosts
Former Pakistan fast bowler and cricket legend Wasim Akram has ardently supported Pakistan's hosting of the majority of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 matches.
Speaking with the passion that mirrors the enthusiasm of Pakistani cricket fans, Akram voiced confidence in the nation's capability to deliver an exceptional tournament, describing it as a moment of pride and opportunity for the country.
Addressing a private event, Wasim Akram expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans for their unwavering support and reiterated Pakistan's preparedness to host the marquee Champions Trophy event.
"This is the Champions Trophy, which is happening in Pakistan. Pakistan is ready to host the Champions Trophy," he declared, embodying the nation's determination and excitement.
