Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam will feature in Tests as well as both the white-ball formats on the team's upcoming tour of South Africa, but fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested for the red-ball leg of the tour.
"Shaheen Shah Afridi's exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness," said former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed, who is a member of the selection committee and also the team's interim white-ball head coach.
