Tue Dec 10 02:08:52 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Rest Shaheen Afridi for South Africa Tour to Prepare for Champions Trophy

**KARACHI, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan has announced its squads for an upcoming tour of South Africa, notably excluding star fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Test team. The PCB cited a “strategic decision” to keep Afridi fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.

The decision comes despite Afridi’s high ranking – second in the ICC ODI bowler rankings. Selector Aaqib Javed emphasized the importance of maintaining Afridi’s physical and mental well-being for the crucial Champions Trophy. Afridi will feature in the ODI and T20 squads for the South Africa tour.

The Test squad, captained by Shan Masood, welcomes back Babar Azam and Mohammad Abbas. Abbas, whose last Test appearance was in 2021, returns after a strong domestic season. Noman Ali earned a spot in the Test squad over Sajid Khan, despite Khan’s impressive recent performance against England. Javed explained this selection was due to the anticipated pace-friendly conditions in South Africa and Abbas’s expertise in seam bowling.

Other notable inclusions in the various squads include the promising young leg-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem, who will participate in the ODI and T20 series after a stellar performance against Zimbabwe, including a five-wicket haul. The tour includes three T20s, three ODIs, and two Tests, beginning December 10th. Javed described the squad selections as a “horses-for-courses” approach to maximize success across all three formats.

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