Pakistan Drops Saim Ayub from Test Squad Ahead of Home Series Against South Africa

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan has announced a 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, with Saim Ayub being dropped after a poor run in the Asia Cup 2025. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and new faces, with Shan Masood to lead the team in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship series. The series will kick off with a two-match Test series, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs. Veteran batter Shan Masood will captain the team in their inaugural ICC World Test Championship series, while pacer Shaheen Afridi has been reinstated in the squad.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saim Ayub has been dropped from the Test squad following a poor run in the Asia Cup 2025, where he managed just 23 runs in six matches, including four ducks.
  • Shan Masood will captain the team in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa.
  • Shaheen Afridi has been reinstated in the squad after missing out on the previous series.
  • The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled an 18-member squad for the series, featuring a blend of seasoned players and promising newcomers.
  • The team will convene for a pre-series camp under the guidance of red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches.
  • Notably, Naseem Shah has been omitted from the squad, while three uncapped players have been included: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir.

Statistics:

  • Saim Ayub managed just 23 runs in six matches in the Asia Cup 2025, including four ducks.
  • The series against South Africa will feature a two-match Test series, followed by three T20Is and three ODIs.
  • The team will be trimmed ahead of the first Test in Lahore, with final selections to be made following the pre-series training.
  • The squad will undergo training under red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and NCA coaches from October 4 to 8.
  • The series will kick off with the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from October 12 to 16.

Sources:

  • PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board)
  • Diligent Media Corporation Ltd., DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
  • Contify.com